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Showing posts from 2012
Memorable Travel Moments: Christmas in Minneapolis, Minnesota 1970
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Over Thanksgiving 1970, my mother took me and my brothers (three kids all under the age of 10) to the Twin Cities on a Christmas outing. With increasingly serious talk about the end of passenger rail service to our small town, my mother had decided we should ride on a train before they disappeared forever; Christmas was simply a reason to make that trip. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net
Memorable Travel Moments: The Sun Appears at Machu Picchu (2005)
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We arrived at Machu Picchu under cloudy skies threatening rain and our tour proceeds through fog and intermittent showers. It is evocative and, perhaps, a good introduction to the site, as it restricts our view to digestible portions. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net
Photo Thursday: My First Visit to Mount Stewart Gardens, Northern Ireland
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In 2004 I visited Ireland for the first time, spending my time in the northern half of the country. Less familiar to most travelers than the south, northern Ireland (both the Republic and Northern Ireland itself) is a beautiful, wild land. But it also has manicured areas tucked into its wild corners. One of the most beautiful of those manicured areas is Mount Stewart Garden, a gorgeous estate just outside Belfast. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net
Memorable Travel Moments: Touring the North of Ireland (2004)
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As a birthday present to ourselves, my college roommate and I traveled around the northern half of Ireland in the early spring, spending our time in Northern Ireland (Ulster) and the counties of Dublin, Louth, Meath, Cavan, and Donegal in the Republic. We started out with a general itinerary, but almost no hotel reservations, allowing us a lot of freedom. It was a wonderful trip, filled with great memories. Here is a taste. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net
Travel Dream List: Cartagena, Colombia
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In my mind, Cartagena has always epitomized Caribbean tropical glamor and adventure – a city that harkens back to the Miami or Havana of the 1950s. While Cartagena escaped the violence of Colombia’s drug culture, it has long been avoided by Americans due to the danger in the rest of the country. With Colombia becoming increasingly safe, it’s time to start planning a visit! You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/
Photo Thursday: Dubrovnik Memories
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Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic, is a gorgeous walled city. The walls are wide and well maintained, providing a wonderful walkway for looking into the city and out to the ocean beyond. Within those walls, I remember glistening white "streets" (cars are not allowed within the the walled city) and warm white walls, narrow alleys -- You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/
Memorable Moments: Walking the City Wall in Kotor, Montenegro, 2004
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The Travel Dream List: Zanzibar
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Zanzibar. The very name conjures images of warm seas, exotic cultures, and fragrant spices. Although I’m not sure I really knew where it was actually located for many years, I’ve always known that Zanzibar was a place I wanted to visit. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/
Memorable Moments: Dads and Daughters Day in the Desert, Arizona, 2001
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For years my Dad had four-wheel drive vehicles that never, ever were driven beyond a maintained road, so when I was in Arizona with my girlfriend, we arranged for our Dads to join us for a day of off-road driving in the desert. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net
The Travel Dream List: Socotra (or Soqotra), Yeman – the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean
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Memorable Moments: Camping by the Hippo Pool, Botswana, 2005
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The Travel Dream List: Holland’s Gardens and Tulip Fields in Spring
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Even though tulips (and tulip mania) originated in Turkey, Holland has long taken since over as the place for growing tulips and other flower bulbs. Each spring the country is ablaze with blossoms. Many of these are along Holland’s Bloemen Route (Flower Route), a 25 mile scenic drive between Haarlem and Leiden. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/
Memorable Moments: Red Square with Saint Basil’s, Moscow, 1983
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Visiting the Seychelles
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The inner islands of the Seychelles (were we spent our time) are 1000 miles off the coast of Africa, about 1000 miles north of Madagascar, and just south of the equator. They are geologically interesting; the 41 inner islands are ancient granitic outcrops, while the 74 outer islands are traditional coral atolls. We stayed within the inner islands, anchoring off beautiful beaches on Mahé and Praslin and in the harbor on La Digue and sailing (or motoring) between. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/
The Louvre’s Modern Architectural Touches, Paris
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This trip to the Louvre was motivated by the opening of the new Islamic art pavilion. While we were able to get into the exhibit area without much trouble, finding a spot from which to view this sweeping structure was more challenging. Tucked into the (internal) Visconti Courtyard in the Louvre’s south wing, the best place to view this bit of architectural whimsy is from the corridors and galleries above it. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net
Nearly All Saints Day at Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris
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The Botanical Garden in Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles
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Daily Snapshots: The Botanical Garden and More on Mahé
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A Pocket Beach near Port Glaud, Mahé, Seychelles
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In Search of the Perfect Sunset in the Seychelles
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Daily Snapshots: Mahé (Port Launay and Thérése Island), Seychelles
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At Sea in the Seychelles
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I am looking forward to a morning spent gliding among these beautiful islands, admiring their rocky coastlines and pristine beaches from the water. But our captains want more wind. . .and they want to test the boat a bit. . .and they want to take the course that requires the least amount of tacking – so they head far out into open water while the other boats play among the islands. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/
Turtles, Mangroves, and More on Curieuse Island
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Photo Thursday: Leaf-Peeping Down the Block
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This hardly counts as a travel photo since it was taken just a few blocks from my house, but we were out exploring (even if not very far from home) and it is the season for searching out brilliant fall colors (before winter makes an appearance), so I think it is appropriate. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net
Leaf Peeping Along the Chain of Lakes in Minneapolis
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One Year Ago Today: Our Final Day is South Africa
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Photo Thursday: Revisiting Paris in the Spring Time
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Into the Wayback Machine: The Dari-ette in Saint Paul
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Best Freeway Bakery Stop: The Clearwater Travel Plaza
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You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net The Clearwater Travel Plaza is about one hour west of the Twin Cities at the exit for Minnesota Highway 24, in the northeast quadrant of the interchange. Besides the bakery, there is a full service, restaurant, large convenience store, and a gas station and truck stop.
Photo Thursday: The Denver B-cycle As Public Art
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When Night Falls on the Midway at the Minnesota State Fair
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Photo Thursday: Wood End Lighthouse in Provincetown
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Thursday Photo - An Old-Fashioned Image of the Denver Botanical Gardens
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A Scenic Drive in Central Minnesota
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I asked my mother to recommend a scenic route between Sauk Centre and the Twin Cities that would let me avoid the freeway for awhile. She said there wasn’t one unless I really liked looking at corn and soybeans. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net
High Stakes at the State Capitol Farmers Market
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Investigating a Little Piece of Paradise on Lake Vermilion
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Maybe I Needed to Bead the Bug
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When I was a junior in college I came home for Easter break to find that my dad had heard my pleas for a car. There was an orange 1974 VW Super Beetle waiting for me. The only catch was that I needed to learn how to drive a manual transmission. (It’s amazing how fast I can learn something if the incentive is right.) You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net
Art at Saint Kate’s
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It is a miserably hot, almost unbearably humid summer day in Minnesota, the kind of day where a storm could brew up at any time – and you sort of wish it would just to cool things down a bit. It is the kind of day where there is sure to be an outdoor craft fair somewhere! You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net
Exploring Wisconsin's Apostle Islands
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Exploring Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands While the water is generally too cold for swimming (temperatures vary throughout the lake and some bays were pretty comfortable in early July 2013, while others were still registering surface temperatures of 38 degrees Fahrenheit), Lake Superior draws sailors, motor cruisers, and kayakers to its pristine waters, secluded bays, and sandy beaches. The area boasts activities year-round, from Race Week (sailing) to the sled dog races, with plenty of art and music available throughout the year. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Much of the area is part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which includes 21 of the islands and 12 miles of mainland shore. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/
Photo Thursday: Serendipity in the Apostle Islands
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Our Course in the Apostle Islands
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It’s only possible to visit a small portion of the Apostle Islands in a few days. Even in the best of conditions and wind and weather dictate the best routes and anchorages on any given day, further limiting options. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net
An Unpredictable Fourth of July in the Apostle Islands
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We awoke to another beautiful morning in the Apostle Islands, although without as much wind as the humans would have liked. However, there were a couple of races underway in the distance so they figured they would be able to find some wind. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net
Lighthouses and Caves in the Apostle Islands
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Who would have believed after last night’s storm that this morning would dawn cool and clear and calm here in the Apostle Islands. I’m not a morning dog (this is Barney again), but it was such a beautiful morning that the trip to shore was almost enjoyable. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net
A Stressful Start to Our Apostle Islands Sailing Adventure
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Hi, I’m Barney. The Travel Gal asked me to do a guest post on our Fourth of July sailing adventure in Lake Superior’s Apostle Islands. I am a pretty wise old dog and – as often as they let me – I remain an observer (rather than a participant) in the world around me. This makes me a more reliable witness than the Travel Gal herself, who was often preoccupied with releasing a line at the right time or keeping my crazy sister Molly from ending up in the water or figuring out which cooler contained the cold drinks or simply trying not to get seasick. Her pictures are ok though, so I’ll use those to illustrate our story. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net
Photo Thursday: Scaffolding on the Colorado State Capitol
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I knew before leaving for Denver that the Colorado State Capitol was a dramatic building and I was eager to photograph it. Of course, once we got there, it was immediately obvious that a not-particularly-lovely construction project was underway. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net
Blogging Colorado (Denver and Keystone)
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I made a quick trip to Colorado earlier this month to participate in the Travel Blog Exchange conference. (Yes, an entire fabulous conference just for travel bloggers or, as they so eloquently put it, new media travel writers.) The conference was held in Keystone, so we spent a few days in Denver too. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/
Photo Thursday: The Singer Takes a Break (Denver, Colorado)
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Colorado Daily Snapshots: Day 3 in Denver and Keystone
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A Lift to Sunset at Keystone
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I’m in Keystone, Colorado, for TBEX‘s new media travel writers (bloggers) conference. The conference starts off with a fancy function on the mountaintop – a destination that can only be reached via not one, but TWO separate trips in gondola ski lifts. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net
Denver’s Kirkland Museum: Prepare to be Overwhelmed
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We are big fans of 20th century decorative arts, so the Kirkland Museum with its focus on his period was high on our must-see list even before I found out that I could visit for free as part of my TBEX conference registration. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net
Photo Thursday: Where Do They Teach You These Lines?
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One thing you absolutely can’t escape when you are in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is the insistent calling of salesmen. It is an endless stream of “Hey, beautiful!” “Lovely lady, this [scarf, necklace, plate, etc.] is almost as beautiful as you are.” and on and on and on. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net
Saying Good-bye to the Twin Cities Ford Plant
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Today was the 33rd Annual All Ford Picnic and No-Trophy Show at the Twin Cities Ford Assembly Plant. It was also the 5th (and final) Annual “Last Picnic at the Twin Cities Ford Assembly Plant.” This one really will be the last, as the plant is slated for demolition later this summer, and things seemed a bit lonely and forlorn when I got there later in the afternoon. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net
Multicultural Katha
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One of the things I love about living in the Twin Cities is how easy it is to expand my cultural horizons. Often I don’t even need to leave town. This weekend Katha Dance Theatre celebrated their 25th anniversary. While the company’s focus is the classical Kathak dance of north India, they also collaborate with dancers from a broad range of cultures. These collaborations have resulted in fascinating new dances that build on an intertwined mix of traditional roots from around the world. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net
Remembering the Soldiers of the Grand Army of the Republic
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The Architecture of Lakewood Cemetery
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Lakewood Cemetery is probably the preeminent cemetery in Minnesota. It isn’t the state’s oldest, or even the oldest in Minneapolis (that honor goes to the Minneapolis Pioneer and Soldiers Memorial Cemetery, which was clearly visible through the windows of a friend’s apartment many years ago), but it has served as the final resting place of many of Minnesota’s most illustrious citizens. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net
Travels in Turkey 2012
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We had a wonderful trip and I am slowly working through my photos. As I do so, they will be posted here. Follow the links to begin exploring with me! A First Glimpse of Istanbul (April 13, 2012) WaitingThe Hippodrome Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia) Sultan Ahmet Camii (the Blue Mosque) Back to the View from the Terrace Night in the City You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at https://explorationvacation.net/
Turkey 2012 -- Day 10: Hierapolis and Pamukkale
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Turkey 2012 - Day 5: Along the Coast (Around Assos & Pergamon)
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Kapalı Çarşı (The Grand Bazaar)
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Shopping is always a good way to spend a rainy day and the Grand Bazaar has been the place for shopping in Istanbul since 1461. Originally a place where merchants from throughout the Ottoman Empire and the world beyond gathered to sell their merchandise, today it is more a gathering place for tourists. It gets a bad rap in most guidebooks for being touristy and tacky, but, while that is true, it is a fascinating place to visit. And, if you do want to shop, I think you could find just about anything you might want if you just look around long enough. (And the building is interesting too.) You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net
The Harem
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The Harem at Topkapı Palace is on my must-see list, not because of the romance and mystery associated with it, but because it is supposed to have stunning tiles. We all have our priorities. I find myself in tile heaven the moment we step into the first room. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net
Topkapı Palace
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Topkapı Palace served as the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for about 400 years (between 1465 and 1856) until Domabahçe Palace became the official residence. Established as the seat of government for the Ottoman empire, at its peak, Topkapı was home to up to 4,000 people. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net
Photo Thursday: A DIY Playground in Johannesburg
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Photo Thursday: A Northern Minnesota Summer Day - In March
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I was along the shore of Lake Superior in Northern Minnesota over the weekend and, while it wasn't quite as warm as it was back home, we still had temperatures in the 70s. It was unseasonably warm and everyone was out taking advantage of it. You are being transferred to the updated version of this post at ExplorationVacation.net
Gypsies and Dragons on the Streets in the North Loop
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Photo Thursday: Kirstenbosch in Black and White
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