tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82855135812793101572024-03-13T09:43:39.129-05:00The Near-Normal TravelerCreated for young-at-heart adventurers, this blog provides information about both domestic and international travel.NearNormal Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16189285591699474751noreply@blogger.comBlogger300125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285513581279310157.post-52996250374143268112021-04-30T22:00:00.003-05:002021-04-30T22:00:00.244-05:00On the Road, Again!<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FNrxjGprY4E/YIy8zqQsfkI/AAAAAAAAXYs/t838qfFqDaQ9kyPDXOsvHtYlraD0xcV2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Irises.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Spring Flowers" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FNrxjGprY4E/YIy8zqQsfkI/AAAAAAAAXYs/t838qfFqDaQ9kyPDXOsvHtYlraD0xcV2gCLcBGAsYHQ/w113-h200/Irises.jpg" title="Spring Flowers" width="113" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Spring flowers</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />It’s been more than a year since the Near Normal
Travelers have been out and about. We’ve been to a few restaurants near us, but
not experienced anything new. However, now that we’ve all had our COVID-19
vaccinations we’re beginning to venture out, again. We still wear masks except
when we’re eating, we use gallons of hand sanitizer, and we keep six feet of
distance from other folks.</span><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Burleson, Texas (<a href="http://nearnormal-travel.blogspot.com/2017/05/bounding-to-burleson.html">Bounding
to Burleson</a>) is still one of our ‘go to’ towns to find good food. Surprisingly,
we still locate restaurants we haven’t visited within the city limits. On this
rainy Friday we sampled the cuisine at <b>Villa Dianna Italian Restaurant</b> (2475
E Renfro St, Burleson, TX 76028, 817-426-6664). Housed in an attractive
building, this Italian restaurant has been in business since 2005, but in 2015
they had a fire that burned the building, but this disaster didn’t stop the
owners. They rebuilt and have been serving customers ever since. During the
pandemic they served take-out only; the dining room hasn’t been re-opened for
long and is set up for the safety of the customers. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Today we chose to select items from the regular menu rather
than from the lunch menu on the chalk board. The bread that comes with the meal
should have given us a hint as to what amounts we were going to be served –
HUGE, fresh, and a flavorsome addition to the rest of the food! Dave ordered calamari
for the table; there was plenty for the three of us with enough left over for a
fourth person. He also selected the large Caesar salad with chicken (it was
really tasty), more than half of which he brought home. Vince gave the linguini
with clam sauce a try. He said that while it was good, it needed more garlic
and some red pepper. Luckily, there was a container of powdered garlic on the
table, along with grated cheese, red pepper flakes, and the usual salt and pepper.
I got cheese ravioli with marinara; after a few bites I added garlic and grated
cheese. Now, back to the calamari: these were the tenderest rings we’d
experienced in a very long time. The breading was crispy and dipping marinara
was thick with a slightly sweet taste. The chef gets fresh calamari each
morning and prepares them to order; they are never frozen; and that makes all
the difference. The three of us enjoy strongly flavored Italian foods, so we
were glad to have the garlic on the table. When we visit again, we’ll try items
from the lunch menu and we’ll take home at least one of the yummy looking
cheesecake slices.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-86MyZPxiPHU/YIy9KV813ZI/AAAAAAAAXY8/9drk49x2ySAci1sJ08q5b23q6Ze5yMoZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s829/VillaDiana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="745" data-original-width="829" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-86MyZPxiPHU/YIy9KV813ZI/AAAAAAAAXY8/9drk49x2ySAci1sJ08q5b23q6Ze5yMoZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/VillaDiana.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Top L to R: Calamari, Logo, Roll<br />Bottom L to R: Linguini with clam sauce, Caesar salad, Cheese ravioli</span> </td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;">We give Villa Dianna three and a half carrots!</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqQKej17KSA/Wt_x-BuagtI/AAAAAAAAH5k/CvUaoxUrHggm4lLafY360fuhDZphAzfSQCPcBGAYYCw/s346/3.5Carrots.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="346" height="194" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqQKej17KSA/Wt_x-BuagtI/AAAAAAAAH5k/CvUaoxUrHggm4lLafY360fuhDZphAzfSQCPcBGAYYCw/w200-h194/3.5Carrots.bmp" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Three and a half carrots</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">It’s good to be back on the road, but we’re staying safe.
Until at least 60% of the population has been vaccinated, we’ll be wearing masks.
It’s also going to be a long time until we will be comfortable being in large
groups, even with a mask. The Near Normal Travelers hope you will all stay
safe, wear your masks, wash your hands, and take advantage of the free
vaccinations available to you.</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">For information about my rating system, see <a href="https://nearnormal-travel.blogspot.com/p/reading-riews.html">Reading the
Reviews</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext;">.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;">©2021 NearNormal Design and Production Studio -
All rights including copyright of photographs and designs, as well as
intellectual rights are reserved.</span></p>NearNormal Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16189285591699474751noreply@blogger.com0Burleson, TX, USA32.5420821 -97.32084924.2318482638211563 -132.4770992 60.852315936178847 -62.1645992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285513581279310157.post-77870127705642048522020-03-20T20:28:00.000-05:002020-03-20T20:28:10.509-05:00Splitting for Split<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although our meeting was in Dubrovnik, we’d been
told that one of the most beautiful places in Croatia was a little town named
Split, so that was our first stop in the country. But first we had to get
there, and that wasn’t <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G0m_3BDuw10/XnVhaQ6-MmI/AAAAAAAATmU/V7qWkHAGDRM0NwCHrXIYqDSrb7o0lzASwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Croatia10-2019_01Sunset2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="549" height="238" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G0m_3BDuw10/XnVhaQ6-MmI/AAAAAAAATmU/V7qWkHAGDRM0NwCHrXIYqDSrb7o0lzASwCEwYBhgL/s320/Croatia10-2019_01Sunset2.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sunset on the road to Split</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
easy. Our flight choices gave us several options and
none of them great. Barb ended up booking a flight that had two stops before
getting to Croatia; I found a more direct route, but had to go through the
dreaded Madrid airport. However, the
weather was so unsettled in the northern US that the airline was happy to put Barb
on the plane from DFW to Madrid instead of her multi-stop itinerary. I was
happy because I was on that plane, as well. We both had bulkhead seats, but not
together. The lady who sat next to me had an elbow that resided in my ribs – I
really missed sitting with Barb! Overly tight quarters, a completely full
plane, and surprisingly bad food did not bode well for this adventure.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perhaps I’ve expressed my dislike of the Madrid
airport (huge, no signage, surly people) in previous blogs; it’s better when
you’re traveling <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XKQ2nXx8myc/XnVhaXL0kFI/AAAAAAAATmc/9EQrNuzpJHAFod8CTTKS3tYYvJIO6QuEgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Croatia10-2019_02Money.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="549" height="238" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XKQ2nXx8myc/XnVhaXL0kFI/AAAAAAAATmc/9EQrNuzpJHAFod8CTTKS3tYYvJIO6QuEgCEwYBhgL/s320/Croatia10-2019_02Money.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Which currency in which airport?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
with a friend. After getting off the plane in Madrid we walked
through a sign-free mile (no exaggeration) to some ladies who were providing
new boarding passes and accurate information about where to go next. We were
either in Outer Mongolia or in Terminal 4, which is just smaller than Rhode
Island. We did find ‘The Club’ and after a food fest we were instructed to find
the gate (signage, along with perfume, alcohol, and souvenir sellers had
increased). Once there they put us on a bus and literally drove us in a huge
circle out on the tarmac to a gate that we probably could have walked to faster;
we got off the bus, went up the stairs, back into the terminal, down the jet
bridge and back onto a plane. It was certainly an interesting method of moving
people. On ‘local’ Iberia flights you have to pay for everything, including
water. The flight attendants were kind enough to bring me some tap water that I
didn’t have to pay for, but only one cupful; I sincerely thanked them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then we were in Dubrovnik airport – larger
than the airport at Victoria, Texas, but not by much. We got our luggage
easily, changed some <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4K0N6VY__n8/XnVhaVvTH7I/AAAAAAAATmo/AXq5JtQTSvcj3NhdL3Yimdz8eAZBZAbzQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Croatia10-2019_03Cove2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="461" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4K0N6VY__n8/XnVhaVvTH7I/AAAAAAAATmo/AXq5JtQTSvcj3NhdL3Yimdz8eAZBZAbzQCEwYBhgL/s320/Croatia10-2019_03Cove2.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">View from Hogwarts?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
money, and proceeded to wait for the rest of the gang. I
got 5,000 kuna (kn) which may be enough to last a life time or could get me a cup
of coffee – hard to tell. In any case, it all worked. Our driver, Antonio,
picked us up on time and we headed down the coast in the setting sun for Split.
The drive was worth the flights. <span style="color: #201f1e;">The drive along
the coast puts me in mind of the sheer cliffs of Big Bend, the valleys of
Wyoming near Yellowstone, and the opening to the ocean that Harry Potter sees
from Hogwarts. This is a really pretty place. </span>We did stop at a bakery to
grab a bite to eat. Who knew it was in <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Bosnia-and-Herzegovina">Bosnia</a>? The
counter girl at the bakery had a bit of English and absolutely no Italian, but
she did take <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpF6qXzpAyE/XnVhawTVkmI/AAAAAAAATmY/9K_GlgZz4TUuFUrSo19_1J6uErxnd3JWQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Croatia10-2019_04BreadBosnia.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="248" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpF6qXzpAyE/XnVhawTVkmI/AAAAAAAATmY/9K_GlgZz4TUuFUrSo19_1J6uErxnd3JWQCEwYBhgL/s200/Croatia10-2019_04BreadBosnia.bmp" width="123" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bosnia bread</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
money, so we were successful in feeding ourselves. As an aside, we
were talking about with the advent of the <a href="https://europa.eu/european-union/about-eu/easy-to-read_en">European Union</a>
we missed getting our passports stamped when we went in and out of countries.
Antonio overheard us and asked the guard at the Bosnia/Croatia boarder control
to stamp our passports; the guard was amused and we were delighted.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.total-croatia-news.com/split-history/8421-a-brief-history-of-split">Split</a>
lies on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea; it sprawls across a central
peninsula and surroundings that link the Apennine peninsula to <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lks1JjlwVI/XnVhgOXCIzI/AAAAAAAATms/POOcqJAaHI8e-_6_gKb5-pTIkbqPJvQ6wCEwYBhgL/s1600/Croatia10-2019_5BoatGroup.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="595" height="295" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lks1JjlwVI/XnVhgOXCIzI/AAAAAAAATms/POOcqJAaHI8e-_6_gKb5-pTIkbqPJvQ6wCEwYBhgL/s400/Croatia10-2019_5BoatGroup.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Sunset, NearNormal Travelers<br />Bottom L to R: Oceanographic Institute, Tito's house</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
the Adriatic
islands. The city was started out as a Greek colony in the third or second
century BC and by 305 AD it was home a Roman emperor who lived in the <a href="http://www.diocletianspalace.org/">Diocletian's Palace</a>. About 300
years later it had grown to become the capital of the Roman province of
Dalmatia, Salona. Because it was in such a good trade area, Split was taken
over by several countries through a series of wars. It became a Byzantine city,
then later a part of the Republic of Venice and the Kingdom of Croatia, and for
a time a free city of the Dalmatian city-states. One way to experience Split is
from the sea side, seeing it as the early sailors did. We had a great sunset
ride on a little boat with a light libation for a reasonable price. I have no
idea what the name of the boat (other than Split Boat Trips) was, but it was a
good time. They even had blankets for those of us who needed them. <span style="color: #201f1e;">The ‘safety talk’ was non-existent and there were no life
jackets in sight. This was fine for the people inside, but we were sitting in
folding chairs on the boat roof. The chairs were tied to the railings so that
they wouldn’t go overboard, but you had to watch your belongings because there were
no rails to hold those aboard. Our guide did say that the water was 20<sup>o</sup>C,
so you wouldn’t freeze to death, but you’d be cold in the air. Cruising along
we learned that </span><a href="https://ehistory.osu.edu/biographies/josip-broz-tito">Marshal Tito</a><span style="color: #201f1e;"> had a house at Split and a couple of others on some of
the other islands. He wasn’t here much, and when he was no one could come near
the houses. There was also a tunnel that he could drive the boat through thereby
getting to the house without anyone seeing you; reminds me of a James Bond
film. Our guide/waitress bounded up and down the ladders on the boat as if she
weren’t there carrying trays of beer and wine. I ask her where our stemmed wine
glasses were, and she said that she had to serve beer in glass, but that
everything else was in plastic. It was a lot cheaper that way when she dropped
a tray and cups flew everywhere. Her delivery was pretty cute and she was fairly
knowledgeable of the area – as one would expect.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We learned that the Split area at one time
belonged to Venice, but was, after Morean War of 1699, given to the Ottoman
Empire which is why <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ckIDnxXnXj8/XnVhgM_3OFI/AAAAAAAATm0/XWMEncQxVvEeb-MuLcuuPx-na5lnqK65QCEwYBhgL/s1600/Croatia10-2019_6Split.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="461" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ckIDnxXnXj8/XnVhgM_3OFI/AAAAAAAATm0/XWMEncQxVvEeb-MuLcuuPx-na5lnqK65QCEwYBhgL/s320/Croatia10-2019_6Split.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">New and old Split</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Bosnia and some other small area is Muslim rather than
Catholic. And it went to the Ottomans because the locals didn’t want Venice to
have it. Split and Dubrovnik were shipping ports thus heavily involved in trade
and very attractive to anyone wanting to take over the area. All of the
shifting of Split from one country to another happened because of religion;
Antonio says that church is now very political rather than spiritual. However,
annexation of the city by Italy was purely political in World War II. It was
freed by the Partisans in 1943, then re-occupied by Germany under the guise of
making it an Independent State of Croatia. The Partisans again freed the city
in 1944 allowing it to become a part of post-war Socialist Yugoslavia; in 1991
Croatia became an independent country.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 1979, the historic center of Split was
included into the <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/97/">UNESCO</a> list
of World Heritage Sites. We spent literally all day (10AM – 10PM) in Split.
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rBdyzmv-zRM/XnVhgSOkAlI/AAAAAAAATm4/bAUr_uytMAQxn4mZw_AgBLoKsVl_jl-jgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Croatia10-2019_7SplitGroup.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="461" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rBdyzmv-zRM/XnVhgSOkAlI/AAAAAAAATm4/bAUr_uytMAQxn4mZw_AgBLoKsVl_jl-jgCEwYBhgL/s400/Croatia10-2019_7SplitGroup.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top L to R: Diocletian Palace, Street vendor<br />Bottom L to R: Split fountain, Cathedral</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What we actually saw was the ‘castle’, the town within the town, the cathedral,
the crypt, the baptistery, and a very nice small museum. The coolest thing
about the area, being Sunday, was the pipe organ and the choir during the
church service. For such a tiny space, the sound was glorious. <span style="color: #201f1e;">Barb and two other of our crew climbed up a tower to get
a good view of Split, but rather than being nine flights of a dozen steps, it
was 18 and none of the steps were the same height. At some points they had to
drag themselves up using hand rails. One of the other ladies and I went to a
museum. Guess whose thigh muscles didn’t hurt the next day. At one time </span>Split
was one of the centers of Croatian culture with its literary practice traced to
medieval times. More recently TV series by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0810533/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm">Miljenko Smoje</a>,
called Malo misto and Velo misto, were developed in Split. We did add to the
town’s economy. There are street vendors, as well as little shops with
interesting items; all sorts of things found their way into our bags.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #201f1e;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next morning Antonio
picked us up at 9:30 AM and we were off to Dubrovnik. We had gone to Split on
the freeway because it was dark <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fEGnSOTtwRo/XnVhg_QxwaI/AAAAAAAATmw/OlI-PY0eR6Y5N3NFox4llxQ63ARrF2r_wCEwYBhgL/s1600/Croatia10-2019_8Sea.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="429" height="214" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fEGnSOTtwRo/XnVhg_QxwaI/AAAAAAAATmw/OlI-PY0eR6Y5N3NFox4llxQ63ARrF2r_wCEwYBhgL/s320/Croatia10-2019_8Sea.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Misty islands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
most of the way, but we came back right along
the water on the surface roads. All the pictures you see of the houses built
right into the mountain side are accurate and if the sun is in the right place
it’s really pretty. There is always a hint of fog between the islands because
the air is cooler than the water. It gives the area a mysterious, misty look. I
wouldn’t have minded getting in a boat and exploring those little pieces of
land; maybe another time.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #201f1e;">Our first stop was </span><a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/croatia/articles/Makarska-Croatia-Secret-Seaside/">Makarska</a><span style="color: #201f1e;">. This is a tourist center, sitting on a horseshoe shaped
bay between the Biokovo Mountains and the Adriatic </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CYdab05PljY/XnVhg99IflI/AAAAAAAATmw/Y6TGgb0osXQGdKNATevvTZMbQMuP5E7WgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Croatia10-2019_8MakarskaGroup.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="1350" height="288" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CYdab05PljY/XnVhg99IflI/AAAAAAAATmw/Y6TGgb0osXQGdKNATevvTZMbQMuP5E7WgCEwYBhgL/s400/Croatia10-2019_8MakarskaGroup.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Monument to Tourists, Sardines<br />Bottom: Makarska</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sea. It has a palm-fringed
promenade, with cafes, bars, and boutiques adjacent to the harbor. There’s a <a href="https://makarska-info.hr/en/squares-and-monuments">Monument to the Tourist</a><span style="color: #201f1e;"> where the ferry docks; it’s a statue of a man and a
woman pulling a roller bag. We wandered around the area for a little while, and
again I wish we’d have had time to do a bit more sightseeing. One of the
sardine boats came in and was unloading. The sardines are larger than I
expected. The fishermen were selling them to a cannery (I assume); those guys
were loading flats of fish into the back of a truck and throwing shovelfuls of
ice on top of them. The few fish that weren’t put on the truck were going to
folks walking up and buying them. Once this was over, the fishermen jumped on
the boat and off they went, back out to sea. Sardines are the subject of
paintings, sculpture, and even earrings.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M7uJFmKvsx4/XnVnkF67FrI/AAAAAAAATnE/hFA4NfWM29IYAEmdqktmI_JochhYPmsrACEwYBhgL/s1600/Croatia10-2019_VendorOranges.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="324" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M7uJFmKvsx4/XnVnkF67FrI/AAAAAAAATnE/hFA4NfWM29IYAEmdqktmI_JochhYPmsrACEwYBhgL/s200/Croatia10-2019_VendorOranges.bmp" width="188" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Orange Vendor</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #201f1e;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We stopped a couple of
times for scenic overlooks, and I think to give Antonio’s ears a rest from five
women talking at once. We stopped on the side of the road and bought oranges
from a grower, along with fresh figs. Both were amazing. They are famous in
Croatia for their oranges/tangerines, olives, and figs.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #201f1e;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #201f1e;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #201f1e;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #201f1e;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #201f1e;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #201f1e;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #201f1e;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #201f1e;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #201f1e;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #201f1e;">Then we had a late lunch at
</span><a href="https://www.croatiatraveller.com/southern_dalmatia/Peljesac/Ston.htm">Ston</a><span style="color: #201f1e;">; it has one of the longest preserved fortification </span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qvDt-NV8AAQ/XnVhhOeWbwI/AAAAAAAATmk/zYXa1tDsYMsGAZ2nA4SiISFDk9xMuJJ4ACEwYBhgL/s1600/Croatia10-2019_9WallGroup.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #201f1e;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="695" height="184" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qvDt-NV8AAQ/XnVhhOeWbwI/AAAAAAAATmk/zYXa1tDsYMsGAZ2nA4SiISFDk9xMuJJ4ACEwYBhgL/s320/Croatia10-2019_9WallGroup.bmp" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #201f1e; font-size: xx-small;">Ston Wall, near and far</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">systems in the world. The Walls of Ston are a series of defensive stone walls,
originally more than 7 kilometers (4.3 mi) long, that surrounded and protected
the city; their construction was begun in 1358.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The wall </span><span style="color: #201f1e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">links Ston to Mali Ston, and is in the shape of an
irregular pentangle. They also protect the salt pans. The folks there have harvested tons of <a href="https://www.croatia-times.com/the-dubrovnik-times/the-amazing-salt-harvest-of-ston/">salt</a>
since the Roman days and if, in those days, they were attacked, they would run
up to the wall and around the mountain, warning other people as they went. One
of their other claims to fame is their production of oysters and muscles. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Antonio
bought us some Croatian salt to go with our oranges and our figs.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lvjGjH8zdt0/XnVhbbKASII/AAAAAAAATmw/_aT9zIfSpdQKSlLIZxeChC0s4DtI-N2RQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Croatia10-2019_10SaltGroup.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="653" height="291" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lvjGjH8zdt0/XnVhbbKASII/AAAAAAAATmw/_aT9zIfSpdQKSlLIZxeChC0s4DtI-N2RQCEwYBhgL/s400/Croatia10-2019_10SaltGroup.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Salt flats, Salt in a cart<br />Bottom: Picture of <a href="https://www.croatia-times.com/the-dubrovnik-times/the-amazing-salt-harvest-of-ston/" target="_blank">men harvesting salt</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a really good time in Split and still
didn’t get to everything there was to do. For information about my rating
system, see <a href="https://nearnormal-travel.blogspot.com/p/reading-riews.html">Reading the
Reviews</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext;">.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTpGo6IPv9k/XnVhfjestiI/AAAAAAAATm4/ESGg50jbpv4i1FUEbl7lNTry4K9-2Xx8QCEwYBhgL/s1600/Croatia10-2019_18SplitSign.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="960" height="227" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTpGo6IPv9k/XnVhfjestiI/AAAAAAAATm4/ESGg50jbpv4i1FUEbl7lNTry4K9-2Xx8QCEwYBhgL/s400/Croatia10-2019_18SplitSign.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">NearNormal Travelers - Photo by Lucy Santos</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #201f1e;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where we stayed:<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv3MR1k9wC4/Wr75dnzq0EI/AAAAAAAAHZs/dEjIVCMf_P4b5ZjLjQQJr_89wg29tKkkACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/4Carrots.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="353" height="189" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv3MR1k9wC4/Wr75dnzq0EI/AAAAAAAAHZs/dEjIVCMf_P4b5ZjLjQQJr_89wg29tKkkACPcBGAYYCw/s200/4Carrots.bmp" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Four carrots</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/27432431?sl_alternate_dates_exclusion=true&check_in=2019-10-19&check_out=2019-10-21&adults=5&children=0&infants=0&source_impression_id=p3_1564495289_hYcA4bOXr0UZo6Ve%3chttps://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.airbnb.com%2Frooms%2F27432431%3Fsl_alternate_dates_exclusion%3Dtrue%26check_in%3D2019-10-19%26check_out%3D2019-10-21%26adults%3D5%26children%3D0%26infants%3D0%26source_impression_id%3Dp3_1564495289_hYcA4bOXr0UZo6Ve&data=02%7C01%7CBarbara.Schultz-Jones%40unt.edu%7C30f616e72b084409b52d08d714f8bed8%7C70de199207c6480fa318a1afcba03983%7C0%7C0%7C637000930902001442&sdata=DV1np%2B5ABqN2WGBnArgKad7HolsJXnRYQ4FxXFsJ1%2Fc%3D&reserved=0">Authentic
Villa</a> was where we stayed in Split. We should all get a <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5OC4Y_G1ngQ/XnVhb0BzwlI/AAAAAAAATm0/IkuKouokoNghrDIUKQabOwrv-dLNalGDQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Croatia10-2019_11BnBGroup.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="969" data-original-width="1111" height="279" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5OC4Y_G1ngQ/XnVhb0BzwlI/AAAAAAAATm0/IkuKouokoNghrDIUKQabOwrv-dLNalGDQCEwYBhgL/s320/Croatia10-2019_11BnBGroup.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top L to R: One bedroom, Kitchen<br />Bottom L to R: Bougainvillea, One bath</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
mountain climbing
badge for the sets of stairs inside the facility. The rooms were comfortable,
if a bit cramped, and I’m thinking that everyone in this country is over 6 feet
tall given the height of the mirrors and the cabinets. The WiFi was adequate,
and there were plenty of plugs. The place could benefit from a few more trash
cans and a box or two of tissues, but okay. The air conditioning works. At
least at this <span style="background-color: white;">one you can flush the paper down
the toilet. The light out the windows the mornings we were there was glorious.</span></span><br />
<div class="xmsonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #201f1e;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #201f1e;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #201f1e;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #201f1e;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #201f1e;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #201f1e;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #201f1e;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #201f1e;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where we ate:<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #201f1e;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wasn’t all that impressed with
the food at the restaurants. It just didn’t measure up to either Crete or
Athens. All of the seafood was overcooked. I’m wondering if this is the style
of preparation for the area.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqQKej17KSA/Wt_x-BuagtI/AAAAAAAAH5k/CvUaoxUrHggm4lLafY360fuhDZphAzfSQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/3.5Carrots.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="346" height="193" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqQKej17KSA/Wt_x-BuagtI/AAAAAAAAH5k/CvUaoxUrHggm4lLafY360fuhDZphAzfSQCPcBGAYYCw/s200/3.5Carrots.bmp" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Three and one-half carrots</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #201f1e;">Knoboa Bakus</span></b><span style="color: #201f1e;"> (B. Angeli Radovani 5,
20230, Ston, Croatia) was an interesting place to eat. Although they had an
English menu, the folks <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apDjo8QMfsw/XnVhcHR9ruI/AAAAAAAATm0/60DRHyPShygVPix7fyJz7ydNWs93cqowgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Croatia10-2019_12BakusGroup.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="560" height="272" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apDjo8QMfsw/XnVhcHR9ruI/AAAAAAAATm0/60DRHyPShygVPix7fyJz7ydNWs93cqowgCEwYBhgL/s320/Croatia10-2019_12BakusGroup.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Menu, Clams<br />Bottom L to R: Octopus, Oysters</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
were much more likely to speak the local language. Three
of our group pronounced the oysters (broiled and raw) quite good; three others
said that the clams were very good, too. I ate an octopus salad that was very
tasty. It was mostly octopus, a few bits of tomatoes, lots of parsley, some
slivers of onions, and some garlic, dressed with oil and vinegar. There was
also homemade bread that was very nice to go with it. And yes, I ate all of the
salad. Service is ‘Mediterranean-ly’ slow. The waitress bordered on surly,
which is not traditional in this area.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #201f1e;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #201f1e;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kXOH7pR77gc/WuudPisIWGI/AAAAAAAAH_4/Z_xF4RkXFN4YoHLcOVD2yeHdm1K92N3OwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/3Carrots.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="266" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kXOH7pR77gc/WuudPisIWGI/AAAAAAAAH_4/Z_xF4RkXFN4YoHLcOVD2yeHdm1K92N3OwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/3Carrots.bmp" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Three carrots</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #201f1e;">Konoba Otprilike Ovako</span></b><span style="color: #201f1e;"> (Sinovčića ul. 5, 21000,
Split, Croatia, +385 95 <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eirDx3_pM5w/XnVhc-pho7I/AAAAAAAATm0/RlRp9lY2xsESzkLyLdBHyprZrzDRV7_KwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Croatia10-2019_13OtprilikeOvakoGroup.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="662" height="215" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eirDx3_pM5w/XnVhc-pho7I/AAAAAAAATm0/RlRp9lY2xsESzkLyLdBHyprZrzDRV7_KwCEwYBhgL/s320/Croatia10-2019_13OtprilikeOvakoGroup.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Clockwise from top: Mushrooms, Potatoes<br />Bread, Seafood risotto</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
707 0777) had a good review, but we were all a bit
disappointed. Perhaps it was the end of the season and they weren’t trying very
hard. Barb said that her seafood risotto was fishy; I had risotto with ink and
mine was fishy, also. However, the mushrooms, bread, and potatoes were very
good. The wine was tasty and we did have a lot of fun sitting basically in the
street and peeking at people through the temporary hedge.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Olive tree</b> (Obala
Hrvatskog Narodnog Preporoda 6, Split 21000, Croatia +385 21 781 103) was a
lovely set of bars and restaurants set facing the bay on two sides. Our eating
has been interesting. Sometimes the prices <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W3EpCtnlzW0/XnVhddJIAVI/AAAAAAAATmg/GNmAZgSJwIstBUme5vz52j9ozyZ3J5A0gCEwYBhgL/s1600/Croatia10-2019_14OliveTreeGroup.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="517" height="282" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W3EpCtnlzW0/XnVhddJIAVI/AAAAAAAATmg/GNmAZgSJwIstBUme5vz52j9ozyZ3J5A0gCEwYBhgL/s320/Croatia10-2019_14OliveTreeGroup.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Menu, Olives and prosciutto<br />Bottom L to R: Sausage and eggs, Cheese-<br />cake</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
are in euros, other times in local
currency. The bar, which we stumbled into at first, was not serving and they
really didn’t want you to sit in the area. The restaurant was serving, but they
didn’t particularly want to serve us either. However, what we did have was
good. Karen had a lovely plate filled with sausage and boiled egg. I had a
variety of sausages and olives. Barb had a lovely cheesecake shaped like an
apple with cinnamon apple filling inside the core. What we didn’t realize was
that the menu was in Euros rather than in Konas so what appeared to be an
inexpensive meal was actually very costly. Again slow and rather surly service
made us less than happy with this meal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What we did:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv3MR1k9wC4/Wr75dnzq0EI/AAAAAAAAHZs/dEjIVCMf_P4b5ZjLjQQJr_89wg29tKkkACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/4Carrots.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="353" height="189" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv3MR1k9wC4/Wr75dnzq0EI/AAAAAAAAHZs/dEjIVCMf_P4b5ZjLjQQJr_89wg29tKkkACPcBGAYYCw/s200/4Carrots.bmp" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Four carrots</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h4E7utMXd5U/XnVhd85fZ4I/AAAAAAAATms/WsgXHR_X1iI9bpzNY0fq4b28Cp68sL0ZwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Croatia10-2019_15MuseumGroup.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="331" data-original-width="692" height="153" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h4E7utMXd5U/XnVhd85fZ4I/AAAAAAAATms/WsgXHR_X1iI9bpzNY0fq4b28Cp68sL0ZwCEwYBhgL/s320/Croatia10-2019_15MuseumGroup.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">L to R: Mosaics, Museum entrance</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Diocletian’s Palace</b> (Dioklecijanova ul. 1, 21000, Split, Croatia)
is where we heard the lovely organ music, climbed the tower, and visited a well
curated museum. This is well worth the visit with something for everyone to
enjoy. We did see several tour groups from Viking, which tells me that there is
a lot of history to discover and enjoy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Split Boat Trips</b> (Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda 55, 21000,
Split, Croatia) is basically a kiosk at which you buy tickets on one of several
boats that can do as little as a brief tour of the harbor all the way through a
dinner cruise. We opted for the cruise with libations and a tour. It was a good
deal for the money and a lot of fun.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Saint Blaise Church</b>
(Ston, Croatia) is a tiny Baroque church dedicated to the patron of Dubrovnik, St.
Blaise. He warned people in Dubrovnik, particularly the priest, to prepare the
city defenses against a surprise attack by the Venetians. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WfNHuvezXws/XnVhedsBtaI/AAAAAAAATm8/uhOowZQVe3keOmdz0O0a7I6IrXiauHGsACEwYBhgL/s1600/Croatia10-2019_16StBlaiseGroup.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="692" height="163" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WfNHuvezXws/XnVhedsBtaI/AAAAAAAATm8/uhOowZQVe3keOmdz0O0a7I6IrXiauHGsACEwYBhgL/s400/Croatia10-2019_16StBlaiseGroup.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">L to R: St Blaise exterior and Interior</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Ston Wall and Salt
Works</b> (Ston, Croatia) is a tiny town that is well worth stopping into for a
few hours. The salt works have an interesting story, as do the walls. And of
course, the scenery in the area is pretty spectacular.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Our Driver:</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oo2HBT9q5aY/Wt_xDYsdZNI/AAAAAAAAH5Y/-r1p8NIqEZUO1asaLv5YfdmZJL1hP7U6ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/4.5Carrots.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="419" height="160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oo2HBT9q5aY/Wt_xDYsdZNI/AAAAAAAAH5Y/-r1p8NIqEZUO1asaLv5YfdmZJL1hP7U6ACPcBGAYYCw/s200/4.5Carrots.bmp" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Four and one-half carrots</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once again we did the right thing by contracting
a driver to take us from one point to another. Antonio was wonderful! He was
polite, knowledgeable, and had a great sense of humor. He works for AA Travel;
contact them through Vl. Antun Regi’o, Ol.B 89058055122. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MKyy5FI1aX4/XnVhe2wqlMI/AAAAAAAATms/Eo91lwtVkxw-2dP2O1t_nT3F7Z8QMb7xACEwYBhgL/s1600/Croatia10-2019_17Antonio.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="461" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MKyy5FI1aX4/XnVhe2wqlMI/AAAAAAAATms/Eo91lwtVkxw-2dP2O1t_nT3F7Z8QMb7xACEwYBhgL/s320/Croatia10-2019_17Antonio.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Antonio</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">©2020 NearNormal Design and Production Studio -
All rights including copyright of photographs and designs, as well as
intellectual rights are reserved.</span></div>
NearNormal Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16189285591699474751noreply@blogger.com021000, Split, Croatia43.5081323 16.440193543.4160128 16.278831999999998 43.6002518 16.601555tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285513581279310157.post-57521998379648108352020-02-07T12:30:00.000-06:002020-02-07T12:30:03.965-06:00Scholar or Colossus?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So very early in the morning we boarded an
island hopper to go from <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_YG80sCZEw/XjeYvuypKwI/AAAAAAAASPQ/gBrRsUBbNDIC4VP4XcBE8WrFGii97tHagCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_1Dolphins.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="461" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_YG80sCZEw/XjeYvuypKwI/AAAAAAAASPQ/gBrRsUBbNDIC4VP4XcBE8WrFGii97tHagCEwYBhgL/s320/Athens8-2019_1Dolphins.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Dolphin sculpture at the harbor</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Athens to Rhodes. We were all sad that Constantine
and/or Harry were not going to be there to meet us and drive for us, but new
adventures awaited. The principal city on the island of Rhodes is Rhodes – not
at all confusing. In long ages gone by there was supposed to be a giant statue
that guarded the harbor: the Colossus. There is nothing on the island that overtly
points to any ruins of this bygone wonder and although I knew we wouldn’t see
it, I was vaguely disappointed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Located in the Aegean Sea, the island of <a href="https://www.ancient.eu/Rhodes/">Rhodes</a> is at an intersection of major
sea routes to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa with influences <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gNJCHQ9pRH8/XjeYv9bD0bI/AAAAAAAASO8/EJTAY7GJjPcfvp-GUGWjUjuu-MkLAdZpQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_2Port.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="461" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gNJCHQ9pRH8/XjeYv9bD0bI/AAAAAAAASO8/EJTAY7GJjPcfvp-GUGWjUjuu-MkLAdZpQCEwYBhgL/s320/Athens8-2019_2Port.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Part of the city walls</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
from these
places still seen in the culture, architecture, and languages. The island has
been inhabited since the <a href="https://www.penfield.edu/webpages/jgiotto/onlinetextbook.cfm?subpage=1525826">Neolithic
Period</a>, about 4000 BC. Although there were lots of visitors, and trade was
going strong, the actual city of Rhodes wasn’t in existence until about 408 BC.
The city of Rhodes was formed by three cities that were close together,
Ialyssos, Kamiros and Lindos. This amalgamation prospered throughout the Golden
Age due to the brisk sea trade, expert ship builders, and politicians who kept
out of the way. It was during this time that <a href="https://theislandofrhodes.com/chares-of-lindos/">Chares of Lindos</a>
built the <a href="https://www.history.com/news/what-was-the-colossus-of-rhodes">Colossus
of Rhodes</a>, a bronze representation of the sun god, Helios. The work took 12
years, until 282 BC, to complete; it was later called one of the <a href="https://bigthink.com/mike-colagrossi/the-seven-ancient-wonders-of-the-world">Seven
Wonders of the Ancient World</a>. About sixty years later an earthquake shook
Rhodes, toppling the statue and damaging the city. Nearly 300 years later the
Romans arrived, but rather than sacking the city, they helped it develop into a
haven for the arts and sciences.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rhodes was also an important Byzantine trading
post between <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3YmwlrtYbfI/XjeYwM69bZI/AAAAAAAASPA/-rSHgzfH27kIDGpYWqor1PsensedDelcgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_3ChurchVirginBurgh.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="461" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3YmwlrtYbfI/XjeYwM69bZI/AAAAAAAASPA/-rSHgzfH27kIDGpYWqor1PsensedDelcgCEwYBhgL/s320/Athens8-2019_3ChurchVirginBurgh.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Church of the Virgin Burgh</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Constantinople and Alexandria. And of course since it was a
successful city, other people wanted it; unlike the Romans, the <a href="https://www.ancient.eu/article/1346/the-isaurians-and-the-end-of-germanic-influence-in/">Isaurians</a>
burned the city around 600 AD. Later it was captured by the Arabs, then during
the <a href="https://www.historynet.com/fourth-crusade-the-second-siege-of-constantinople.htm">Fourth
Crusade</a> (1204) it was ruled by Leo Gabalas, a Byzantine Greek, and his
brother, John. Eventually the city was returned to the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Theodore-I-Lascaris">Emperor of
Nicaea</a>. About 100 years later this had all changed. The island became a
sanctuary for knights from different countries.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knights abounded in the 14<sup>th</sup> and 15<sup>th</sup>
centuries and evidently they were common in the Greek area. After the
persecution of the <a href="https://www.history.com/topics/middle-ages/the-knights-templar">Knights
Templar</a> in 1307, the Knights Hospitallers left Cyprus and captured Rhodes.
Here they established their headquarters with the permission of <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04020a.htm">Pope Clement V</a> in 1309.
They remained on Rhodes for the next two hundred years. The <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/493/">citadel of Rhodes</a>, built by the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hospitallers">Hospitalliers</a>, is one
of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, and a UNESCO World Heritage
Site; our <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwKYwET-CAc/XjeYwZhTOLI/AAAAAAAASPE/6Kgzy10ZDEk2chCrjMbV5rDoig3gg09fwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_4KnightsStreet.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="461" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwKYwET-CAc/XjeYwZhTOLI/AAAAAAAASPE/6Kgzy10ZDEk2chCrjMbV5rDoig3gg09fwCEwYBhgL/s400/Athens8-2019_4KnightsStreet.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Knights Street</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Airbnb was within its walls. Because of the knights’ presence, Rhodes
was able to remain free from the Egyptian (<a href="https://www.historytoday.com/miscellanies/who-were-mamluks">Mamluks</a>) attack
in 1444 and the <a href="http://www.theottomans.org/english/family/mehmet2.asp">Ottoman
Empire</a> expansion invasion in 1480. With the continued strengthening of the
cities, Rhodes became the most strongly fortified Christian Bastion in the
world. However, in 1522 the Ottomans laid siege to the island and with vast
numbers of soldiers, brought the island under their control. The Knights and
Suleiman negotiated a treaty stating that the Knights could leave with all the
wealth they could carry, and with no retribution upon the inhabitants of the
city who could continue to practice Christianity freely. On January 1, 1523 the
Knights left, allowing the Ottomans to be in control. Under the Ottomans
mosques, public baths, and mansions were constructed for the ruling class. The
Greeks who had always lived in the city were forced to move outside the walls. However,
the city retained its identity as a market for the farm products from the
interior of the island as well as the surrounding smaller islands. Although the
Ottoman Turks transformed most of the churches into mosques and major houses
into private mansions or public buildings, the Knights period façades, the
arched gates, and carved stone walls were preserved. Baths and balconies were
added to existing Hospitaliers' period buildings in the Medieval Town. The
result of the rebuilding and slight redesign resulted in a mixture of oriental and
western architecture making the old city of Rhodes an interesting place to
wander through.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About four hundred years later the Italians were
back, taking over the <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PsVd5P0CUI/XjeYwn1_QVI/AAAAAAAASPI/kCfQUdggbmk2KfeIGEYlS9ELQvW8EVQwgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_5KnightsBarracks.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="461" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PsVd5P0CUI/XjeYwn1_QVI/AAAAAAAASPI/kCfQUdggbmk2KfeIGEYlS9ELQvW8EVQwgCEwYBhgL/s320/Athens8-2019_5KnightsBarracks.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Knights' barracks</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
island in 1912. Italian architect Florestano Di Fausto
chose to preserve the architecture of the city, but he converted the Jewish and
Ottoman cemeteries into a green zone surrounding the Medieval Town – this seems
to be quite a strong political statement. The edifices he did design, the
Cathedral of Saint John of the Knights, the Market, and the Palace of the
governor are a mix of Ottoman, Venetian, Renaissance, and local styles; he did
reconstruct the Grand Master's Palace. These buildings remained intact until
World War II when the British bombed the city trying to get rid of the Nazis
who had deported more than 1,700 Jews to Auschwitz; 1,200 of these men, women,
and children were murdered. Once the war was over, reconstruction began with an
eye to preserving the Medieval Town. This led to the eventual designation of
the old town as a <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/493/bestpractice/">World
Heritage City</a> by UNESCO in 1998.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We actually stayed in an annex of the Palace of
the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, which is also known as the Kastello.
It’s a medieval <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2kAIT6FF2ak/XjeYw2meReI/AAAAAAAASPI/4KzDvXzki3IKgLgxTO7r4iQM8GMTjgp1ACEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_6Mosaics.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="461" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2kAIT6FF2ak/XjeYw2meReI/AAAAAAAASPI/4KzDvXzki3IKgLgxTO7r4iQM8GMTjgp1ACEwYBhgL/s320/Athens8-2019_6Mosaics.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">One of the many mosaic floors</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
castle with grand examples of Gothic architecture. The site was,
at one time, a citadel of the <a href="https://www.sosjinternational.org/">Knights
Hospitaller</a>; it has functioned as a palace, headquarters, and fortress. Recently
it’s been postulated that it was also the site of the ancient temple of the
Sun-god '<a href="https://www.greekmythology.com/Other_Gods/Helios/helios.html">Helios</a>'
and perhaps where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood. Originally built in the
late 7th century as a Byzantine citadel, the building was at one time a holiday
residence for the King of Italy, <a href="https://encyclopedia.1914-1918-online.net/article/victor_emmanuel_iii_king_of_italy">Victor
Emmanuel III</a>, and finally for Fascist dictator <a href="https://www.biography.com/dictator/benito-mussolini">Benito Mussolini</a>.
In 1947 it was converted into a museum. What impressed us most about the museum
was that many of the rooms had floors made of <a href="https://www.diamondcollectionhotels.gr/the-blog/720/The-mosaics-of-Kos-Island-----The-Story/">mosaics</a>
from buildings in Kos (a.k.a. Cos), an island near Rhodes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you’re going to visit Greece, you’d do well
to read “<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/05/books/review/full-catastrophe-about-greek-economy-review.html">The
Full Catastrophe, Travels among the New Greek Ruins</a>”. It’s written by a
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tvmonJedaC0/XjeYxM8SVtI/AAAAAAAASPM/u01KfqbcsgQwxHUuqNZFqLUYqNLWLTwVwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_7RestaurantArea.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="461" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tvmonJedaC0/XjeYxM8SVtI/AAAAAAAASPM/u01KfqbcsgQwxHUuqNZFqLUYqNLWLTwVwCEwYBhgL/s320/Athens8-2019_7RestaurantArea.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">East side of the old section of Rhodes</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
person whose family is from that country so he was a visitor there on many
occasions. This lends credence to his interviews; his work for the Wall Street
Journal makes his prose highly readable. Having read the book, I was interested
to see how the information applied to places we stayed, ate and played. For
information about my rating system of where we stayed, what we ate, and what we
did, see <a href="https://nearnormal-travel.blogspot.com/p/reading-riews.html">Reading
the Reviews</a><span class="MsoHyperlink">.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where we stayed:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv3MR1k9wC4/Wr75dnzq0EI/AAAAAAAAHZs/dEjIVCMf_P4b5ZjLjQQJr_89wg29tKkkACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/4Carrots.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="353" height="189" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv3MR1k9wC4/Wr75dnzq0EI/AAAAAAAAHZs/dEjIVCMf_P4b5ZjLjQQJr_89wg29tKkkACPcBGAYYCw/s200/4Carrots.bmp" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Four carrots</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />Spanish Knights Inn </b><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/31531376?source_impression_id=p3_1580327736_IS62N1jsTx8doOod"><b>Airbnb</b></a><b> </b>(Ipparchou 9 (Rhodes Town), Rhodes City, Greece): We were in a
lovely Airbnb, but having said that, it's a six minute <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ENUKvGp44BU/XjeYxsVjJFI/AAAAAAAASPM/KVX3GHEy5Y4MWSnb4aGuLT7q4zRL1a4jgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_8SpanishInnGroup.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="603" height="252" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ENUKvGp44BU/XjeYxsVjJFI/AAAAAAAASPM/KVX3GHEy5Y4MWSnb4aGuLT7q4zRL1a4jgCEwYBhgL/s400/Athens8-2019_8SpanishInnGroup.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T<span style="font-size: xx-small;">op L to R: Courtyard, kitchen, downstairs bath<br />Bottom L to R: Living area, upstairs bedroom, up-<br />stairs bath, laundry</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
walk from anything that taxis can navigate (ask your driver to be taken to the top of the street
rather than the end nearest the port). In fact we were in the 14<sup>th</sup> century
barracks that the Spanish Knights used; there's some story about the Templers
in this area, as well. The actual street we were on was last paved when the
Spanish knights attacked the walls on their wheezing draft horses that
certainly couldn't get along these streets because of the cobblestones! The
plumbing is about the same age as the streets. The electrical appliances are
more modern. There's an electric washer and a solar drier. The roof looks out
over the hot water tank. The place has period decorations; the air conditioners
are in the bedrooms. Did I mention that you can't put any paper down the
toilet? We had to empty our trash daily by going up (literally) the street to a
rubbish bin. The owners have outdone themselves in decorating the enclosed
courtyard with all sorts of plants, including lemon trees. They are also quite
responsive to questions and any needs that arise during your stay.</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What we did:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oo2HBT9q5aY/Wt_xDYsdZNI/AAAAAAAAH5Y/-r1p8NIqEZUO1asaLv5YfdmZJL1hP7U6ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/4.5Carrots.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="419" height="160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oo2HBT9q5aY/Wt_xDYsdZNI/AAAAAAAAH5Y/-r1p8NIqEZUO1asaLv5YfdmZJL1hP7U6ACPcBGAYYCw/s200/4.5Carrots.bmp" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Four and one half carrots</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of
Rhodes</b> (Ippoton, Rodos 851 00, Greece, +30 2241 365270)
was simply amazing. The palace was filled with mosaics from <a href="http://www.greece-is.com/10-reasons-to-visit-kos/">Cos (Kos)</a> that
were brought in to appease <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RU4Itpib-UU/XjeYxk6bgVI/AAAAAAAASPQ/Qj5MUswWVkQUfLH-KCDY2mCr2QroiWN3ACEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_9PalaceGroup.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="644" height="280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RU4Itpib-UU/XjeYxk6bgVI/AAAAAAAASPQ/Qj5MUswWVkQUfLH-KCDY2mCr2QroiWN3ACEwYBhgL/s400/Athens8-2019_9PalaceGroup.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left T to B: Exterior of palace, Mosaic<br />Right: Large room with several mosaics</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mussolini because this was to be his headquarters. If
I’m ever back in Greece I’ll put Cos on my list to visit. The palace is huge
with the traditional wall hangings and displays that are associated with
castles, however there is a great display of the work of <a href="https://www.esteri.it/mae/en/sala_stampa/archivionotizie/retediplomatica/rodi-mostra-acquarelli-archeologo-hermes-balducci.html">Hermes
Balducci</a>. He’s the artist, archaeologist, and adventurer, who painted and wrote
about the mosaics. There are also examples of well carved seats used by those
who were waiting for an audience. It takes more than an hour to explore the
palace, and can take more if you’re really in to the mosaics; there are some
designs with which I was completely unfamiliar.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv3MR1k9wC4/Wr75dnzq0EI/AAAAAAAAHZs/dEjIVCMf_P4b5ZjLjQQJr_89wg29tKkkACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/4Carrots.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="353" height="189" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv3MR1k9wC4/Wr75dnzq0EI/AAAAAAAAHZs/dEjIVCMf_P4b5ZjLjQQJr_89wg29tKkkACPcBGAYYCw/s200/4Carrots.bmp" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Four carrots</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The<b> Archeologic
Museum</b> (Akti Sachtouri 8, Rodos 851 00, Greece) actually belonged to the Knights
Hospitallers, an offshoot of the Knights Templers at one time. The museum is
housed in what was the hospital of <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SfNwKnT36YE/XjeYtQ07srI/AAAAAAAASPA/3OxXM5xv32k77hurYNp67fvENtKvDMV2wCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_10MuseumGroup.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="412" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SfNwKnT36YE/XjeYtQ07srI/AAAAAAAASPA/3OxXM5xv32k77hurYNp67fvENtKvDMV2wCEwYBhgL/s400/Athens8-2019_10MuseumGroup.bmp" width="361" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Museum, Ottoman style meeting room<br />Bottom L to R: Wall mosaics, Ottoman ceiling</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
the Knights of Saint John. Construction began
in 1440 and completed in the time of the <a href="https://theislandofrhodes.com/pierre-daubusson/">Grand Master d'Aubusson</a>,
around 1476. Because the ottomans occupied it at one time, at least part of the
architecture reflects this culture. Inside is a mixed collection of types of
rooms, arms decorations, sculptures, and gardens. The Street of the Knights
(just outside our AirBnB) backs up to one wall of the museum. In that street was
a little girl with an accordion; she knows the first 10 bars of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhgEGcXgZwI">Never on Sunday</a> and
heaven help us she sings. She doesn't have a pocket or a bucket big enough to
carry that tune. We could hear her all over the museum!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We rode the island bus, nicer than some tour buses, to the pointed end of <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJ1svzoDPtQ/XjeYtV3TCaI/AAAAAAAASO8/DwTipsPS0KMXNLYNTaI6ekOULP8FXzHyQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_11LindosGroup.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="663" height="245" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJ1svzoDPtQ/XjeYtV3TCaI/AAAAAAAASO8/DwTipsPS0KMXNLYNTaI6ekOULP8FXzHyQCEwYBhgL/s400/Athens8-2019_11LindosGroup.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Left T to B: Acropolis, Lindos<br />Bottom: Donkey</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
the island to see a less famous <b>Acropolis</b> in Lindos (Lindos 851 07,
Greece, +30 2244 031258) at noon. Not the most propitious time to be out
wandering around, but for 5.50E off we went. Once we got there, the girls
spotted the extremely steep path to the top and opted for lunch on a rooftop
instead. It was so hot that we hadn’t the heart to hire donkeys for a ride up. Lindos,
itself, is worth the trip. It has winding streets, a pleasant old town shopping
area, and lots of places to eat. There is also beach access, but be ready for a
long walk down to the water.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Old city</b> (Tourist
Information Office, Apellou, Rodos 851 00, Greece, +30 2241 074313) of Rhodes
is a shoppers’ paradise, as well as a lovely trip <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5y-fuLU-B0/XjeYteeJEKI/AAAAAAAASO4/iwFdANxgW0oannOFO8MD4h7mxnLKK8sEgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_12IdeaGreekArt.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="461" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5y-fuLU-B0/XjeYteeJEKI/AAAAAAAASO4/iwFdANxgW0oannOFO8MD4h7mxnLKK8sEgCEwYBhgL/s320/Athens8-2019_12IdeaGreekArt.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">An excellent art store</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
through history. We got into
a discussion about Greek economics with a guy who had been a 3 star general and
the president of the jewelry sellers. He called what’s happening ‘economic fascism’.
His wife came in the shop, saving us from further lecture on the dire situation
all over the country. One other piece of information that he imparted was that
all of southern Italy was originally Greek. He was an interesting guy. Several
shops had lovely pale green dishes decorated with sardines (one of the ‘crops’
that Greece produces). Most of the ceramics were very well done, no matter
which shop we entered. In our wanderings, Barb had seen a blue and white
striped bag, resembling the flag of Greece, that she wanted for a friend. We
hunted all over town finally tracking it down in a resale shop. She spun it
around to see what, if anything, was written on it and there was: <i>Abercrombie and Fitch</i>. I thought her
head was going to explode!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ostria Beach</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (Rhodes
851 02, Greece, +30 697 814 7839): While the </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ytSN91-c0KA/XjeYt_MlYEI/AAAAAAAASO8/Fy1adcosHq4gPfL3gWN0gSMfrWFDpAqAwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_13Beach.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="461" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ytSN91-c0KA/XjeYt_MlYEI/AAAAAAAASO8/Fy1adcosHq4gPfL3gWN0gSMfrWFDpAqAwCEwYBhgL/s320/Athens8-2019_13Beach.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ostria Beach</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
beach was beautiful, the whole
countryside reminds me of <a href="https://www.npca.org/trips/53-big-secret-big-bend">Big Bend</a>. My
illusion of a desert island is shattered; it’s a desert with palm trees along
the water for a bit of shade – the rest of the vegetation is scrub. The water
wasn’t clear, but more like what you see along the Texas coast where the sand
is brown. I didn’t see anyone snorkeling or scuba diving, which leads me to
believe that the fish aren’t particularly colorful and/or there’s not much to
see below the surface of the water.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Semis Limo Service </b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(0030
6937 701 77, semispa@yahoo.gr). We had another adventure with a cabbie. After
wandering around Lindos, getting hot, sweaty, and with less money than we began,
we wanted to go back toward Rhodes but also to stop at a pretty place for a
closer look at a breach. We stumbled onto a taxi area; most of the drivers
ignored us completely, except for Semis. He was charming and quite helpful. He
took us to the beach where he takes his family and it was great! The next day
he took us back for a swim and lunch, then drove one of our group to the
airport. He also agreed to take two of us to the airport a couple of days
later; he turned up right on time, but with enough wiggle room to stop to buy
us a coffee on the way. I'm liking these Greek men who take care of mature
ladies!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where we ate:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv3MR1k9wC4/Wr75dnzq0EI/AAAAAAAAHZs/dEjIVCMf_P4b5ZjLjQQJr_89wg29tKkkACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/4Carrots.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="353" height="189" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv3MR1k9wC4/Wr75dnzq0EI/AAAAAAAAHZs/dEjIVCMf_P4b5ZjLjQQJr_89wg29tKkkACPcBGAYYCw/s200/4Carrots.bmp" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Four carrots</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Alexis 4 Seasons Seafood Restaurant</b> (Aristotelous 33, Rodos 851 00, Greece, +30
2241 070522) is an upscale place in the old city of Rhodes. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wwH-W-KpFi4/XjeYuZnu4aI/AAAAAAAASPE/pvo7jkbC7-8PYC4TsAntJdF772Ufvn9awCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_14FourSeasonsGroup2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="517" height="355" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wwH-W-KpFi4/XjeYuZnu4aI/AAAAAAAASPE/pvo7jkbC7-8PYC4TsAntJdF772Ufvn9awCEwYBhgL/s400/Athens8-2019_14FourSeasonsGroup2.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Salad, Greens, Menu<br />Middle L to R: Wine, Bread, Calamari, Sea bass<br />Bottom L to R: Mashed potatoes, Dessert</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The night we
visited there was a wedding party so we didn’t get a chance to sit on the roof, but the garden area
is lovely even in hot weather. Our waiter suggested that we share a meal and
proceeded to bring us more food than we could eat along with a very nice bottle
of wine. I strongly suggest that if you want to sit on the roof that you make
reservations. Our meal was excellent. It consisted of a very nice bottle of
white wine, bread, calamari with black pasta, and Greek salad to begin; a very
good sea bass for a main with sides of potatoes with fish eggs, and field
greens; and finished with a lemon square topped with candied carrots garnished
with grapes. It was well served and tasted great.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Lindos Restaurant</b> (Lindos 851 07, Greece, +30 2244 031640) has a
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qj6xyHDeKDg/XjeYuVtux8I/AAAAAAAASO4/88XePsz2kdYm-xKC9QmYy_vUn3A0KR5tgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_15LindosRestGroup.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="567" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qj6xyHDeKDg/XjeYuVtux8I/AAAAAAAASO4/88XePsz2kdYm-xKC9QmYy_vUn3A0KR5tgCEwYBhgL/s320/Athens8-2019_15LindosRestGroup.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Menu, Hummus<br />Bottom L to R: Salad, Pastitsio</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
rooftop area that overlooks the sea and the acropolis. We also had a nice view
of some goats and of some sweaty people trying to make their way to and from
the top of the hill. There were only a few of us at lunch, but there was a
rather persistent insect that kept diving on the people at a table behind us.
They were given an electric bug-zapper and the hilarity began. Humans felt
gratified that the zapper did no permanent damage to them and that one of the
patrons had good enough aim to eventually dispatch the insect. We started with
a shared portion of hummus, and pita bread. Two of us had a Greek salad while
the other indulged in pastitsio. It was all very good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Ostria Beach Bar</b> (Rhodes 851 02, Greece, +30 697 814 7839) was
right <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8FlVq6F20g/XjeYuhtuVoI/AAAAAAAASPQ/FSr31-8Oy2QF5AKqOHhGd8YpGyXhZLK9gCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_16OstriaBeachBarGroup.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="472" height="192" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8FlVq6F20g/XjeYuhtuVoI/AAAAAAAASPQ/FSr31-8Oy2QF5AKqOHhGd8YpGyXhZLK9gCEwYBhgL/s200/Athens8-2019_16OstriaBeachBarGroup.bmp" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Beach, Salad<br />Bottom L to R: Salad, Shrimp</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
on the beach. Not only did we have a good view, but an excellent meal as
well. The food was very fresh and there was plenty to share among us. We shared two
salads and a plate of shrimp that looked like small lobsters. Although we had to go to the bar to order, service was speedy and our waiter made sure that everything was secure on the small table before leaving us to our meal.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pizanias "The Sea Star"</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (Sofokleous 24, Rodos 851 31, Greece, +30 2241
022117) is another good place to eat seafood in the old town. The <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zAWHH8QTT6Y/XjeYuw91I5I/AAAAAAAASPM/8kkjwPExfukZbSUhHbf53BEw_ylFg7D_ACEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_17SeaStarGroup.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="587" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zAWHH8QTT6Y/XjeYuw91I5I/AAAAAAAASPM/8kkjwPExfukZbSUhHbf53BEw_ylFg7D_ACEwYBhgL/s320/Athens8-2019_17SeaStarGroup.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Menu, Goat cheese, Wine<br />Bottom L to R: Bread, Calamari</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
have a
specially built outdoor oven for roasting fresh fish. Once again we shared a
good bottle of wine. The bread was crusty and an excellent complement to the
goat cheese and tomato appetizer that was warm and gooey. I had a whole squid
that was stuffed with cheese. Although it was tasty, it was a bit tough.
Service was good and we had fun with the waiter.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Three and one half carrots</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Nimmos Traditional Restaurant</b> (Dionysiou 2, Old Town, Rodos 851 00, <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XsLzOf7fhaE/XjeYvNyAn2I/AAAAAAAASO4/Hx80eVIA0eIvFO6KynZc-neDNC_j7qV6wCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_18NimmosGroup.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="515" height="174" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XsLzOf7fhaE/XjeYvNyAn2I/AAAAAAAASO4/Hx80eVIA0eIvFO6KynZc-neDNC_j7qV6wCEwYBhgL/s320/Athens8-2019_18NimmosGroup.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">L to R: Menu, Sandwich</span></td></tr>
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Greece, +30
2241 076112) is sort of on the backside of the old town. We found ourselves
there rather early in the morning so had breakfast. The roof garden wasn’t
available at that time of day, but the area under the umbrellas was pleasant.
Breakfast was fine, although don’t expect refills of coffee. We both had ham
and cheese sandwiches that seems a staple of morning meals in Rhodes. Service was a bit slow and there are no refills on coffee or
water.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Socratous Garden</b> (Sokratous 124, Rodos 851 00, Greece, +30 2241
076955) caters more to tourists than do other restaurants. There’s <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Usnm5jCBXo/XjeYvUVeLCI/AAAAAAAASPE/uWCGDI9n_Rg2RtrNgCTdTtQInck-m6NKwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_19SocratousGroup.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="672" height="204" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Usnm5jCBXo/XjeYvUVeLCI/AAAAAAAASPE/uWCGDI9n_Rg2RtrNgCTdTtQInck-m6NKwCEwYBhgL/s320/Athens8-2019_19SocratousGroup.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Menu, Dessert<br />Bottom L to R: Milkshake, Chicken shawarma,<br />Cat</span></td></tr>
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nothing
particularly unusual about it except for the setting, milkshakes, and the
desserts. There are also free roaming kitties that politely wait to see if you’d
like to share some of your food with them. We shared chicken shawarma and crepe
ice cream. There was more than enough for us to pass a bite or two of chicken
to one of the local cats. Barb said that the milkshake was particularly good.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Local mosque</span></td></tr>
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NearNormal Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16189285591699474751noreply@blogger.com0Rhodes, Greece36.4340533 28.217637935.613666300000006 26.9267444 37.2544403 29.5085314tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285513581279310157.post-48221057012802183222019-12-27T12:30:00.000-06:002019-12-27T12:30:10.662-06:00Reviewing Athens<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Agora</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A week in Athens isn’t nearly long enough to see
all of the monuments, ruins, points of interest, as well as sample all of the
food options in the city. I also didn’t get to do more than glance at the sea
shore or peek at some of the coastline. In August I thought one time in Athens
was plenty, but I may have to make a return trip some fall or spring! For
information about my rating system of where we stayed, what we ate, and what we
did, see <a href="https://nearnormal-travel.blogspot.com/p/reading-riews.html">Reading
the Reviews</a><span class="MsoHyperlink">.</span></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where we stayed:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Four carrots</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Hilton Athens</b>
(46 Vassilissis Sofias Avenue, Athens, 11528, Greece, +30-210-7281000) is a
lovely facility, and our room overlooked the <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lcl97uCBcgM/XgFOou9vAwI/AAAAAAAARss/flC8TBWfqGgbYQZ67Ht1p8xhpdCrl73xwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_2HiltonRoom.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="455" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lcl97uCBcgM/XgFOou9vAwI/AAAAAAAARss/flC8TBWfqGgbYQZ67Ht1p8xhpdCrl73xwCEwYBhgL/s400/Athens8-2019_2HiltonRoom.bmp" width="378" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Bedroom, Bath<br />Bottom: Parthenon from our balcony</span></td></tr>
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Parthenon. It was great getting to
sit on the balcony for a few minutes each morning having coffee. And when I say
a few minutes that’s exactly what I mean. By 9 AM it was already uncomfortably
warm, even in the shade. The room was well appointed, as was the bath; the
internet worked well. The only hitch came when we checked in. We were greeted
as lepers who had arrived too early; this was quite unusual for a Hilton staff,
particularly when my traveling companion is at the highest Hilton club level.
Our breakfasts were to be included, but that didn’t happen until three days later.
Finally, we found a manager and discussed the manner in which we’d been
treated. When we went downstairs that morning we found the entire front desk
staff had been changed. These people were smiling, courteous to everyone, and
outgoing. When we checked, our bill had been adjusted to delete the breakfast
charges and with a day’s room fee removed. It does pay to courteously talk to
someone in charge. The rating I gave this hotel early on was two carrots, but
after our chat with the manager and the changes to staff, I have increased my
rating.</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What we did:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Four and one half carrots</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Acropolis, Erechtheum, and the Parthenon</b> (Athens 105 58, Greece) <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">L to R: Parthenon, Erechtheum</span></td></tr>
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are what you come to
Athens to see. You can buy a ticket and get in early in the morning without
taking a tour, but unless you’re well versed in ancient history you’ll miss why
this area is socially and historically significant. I did find out that the
temperature on top of the Acropolis the day we visited was 110<sup>o</sup>F – a
bit toasty, and probably the reason that the Greeks wore togas. I didn't know
that there was a complete village around the temples up on the top. Evidently
people wanted to be close to their temples. I'd have put in an elevator, forget
the steeply angled roads! There were oodles of people running around with flip
flops, no hats, no sunscreen, and no water. And this is the reason they have
medics all over the site; we actually had a lady faint even though she had
sufficient water, a hat, and good shoes. There was a water fountain at the top
where you could refill your water bottle. Of course, I drank all of my refill
before I got back to the bottom. The site wasn't as crowded as I expected – a
good thing. The Greek government regulates the price of bottled water so that
it doesn't get more expensive the closer to the top of the hill. It's all 50
cents (€). They also regulate who can and cannot sell tickets to the under 18
visitors. It seems that the tour companies were buying up a bunch of kids’
tickets and selling them at full price; so some good things have from the government.
According to our guide, Athena was the goddess of the strategy of war, whereas
Aries (along with Demos and Phoebes) was a homicidal maniac; somehow that’s not
particularly surprising. One of the temples, the Erechtheum, has a set of six
ladies used as columns, but because they have thin necks, they had to give them
honking big hair styles around their necks so that the pillars wouldn't fall
down. And just so you know, the Parthenon in Nashville is the most accurate
copy of the one here – it's even got the curved lines in the walls to make the
columns look even from different angles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Costas Taxi</b>
(Constantine – 0030-6945968413; Harry – 0030-4937489390) As I came out of the
funicular a cabbie, Constantine waved me to his cab and became my best friend.
He took me to the Benaki Museum at no charge. Later he came to the hotel to
take Barb, Karen, and me shopping. He picked Barb and me to take us to our
tour. And his brother, Harry, took us to the airport for our flight to Rhodes
at 3:30 AM. These gentlemen gave us excellent service, some souvenirs, and a
lot of laughs. Some of the best advice I can give travelers is if you can find
a cabbie you like, get his number and only ride with that person. You’ll go to
places you didn’t know existed, learn lots about the culture and the city, find
restaurants that are wonderful, and be completely cared for during your visit.
If I ever go back to Athens, I’ll call Constantine or Harry as soon as I step
off of the plane!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <b>Acropolis
Museum</b> (Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athina 117 42, Greece) was supposed to
open for the 2004 Olympics, but during <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Goddess, Accountants, more Accountants<br />Bottom: Ruins beneath the museum</span></td></tr>
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construction a major archeological site
was found under the building. This year the facility finally opened in its
entirety, along with access to this new site. I got into the museum on a tour
and really wished there had been time to see the facility in its entirety. My
favorite part I did see was the top level. It is there that the Parthenon
pediments are displayed with superb views of the Parthenon, itself. The other
structure that has been moved from the Acropolis to the museum is the set of
columns shaped like women with the giant hairdos to strengthen their necks;
these are from the Erechtheum. It’s interesting what they will and won't let
you take pictures of - I thought it was because some of the statues are
painted, but that's not necessarily the case; I think that it's rather random. Of
course we made it to the museum store and helped the economy; however,
everything is really reasonable except for the t-shirts that are <span style="background: white; color: #222222;">€</span>20.
We found similar shirts in town that are about <span style="background: white; color: #222222;">€</span>10.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Gold laurel, Red pots, Sphinx<br />Bottom L to R: Paintings, Rabbits</span></td></tr>
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1000) ‘established and endowed in 1930 by
Antonis Benakis in memory of his father Emmanuel Benakis, is housed in the
Benakis family mansion in downtown Athens, Greece. The museum houses Greek
works of art from the prehistorical to the modern times, an extensive
collection of Asian art, hosts periodic exhibitions and maintains a
state-of-the-art restoration and conservation workshop. Although the museum
initially housed a collection that included Islamic art, Chinese porcelain and
exhibits on toys, its 2000 re-opening led to the creation of satellite museums
that focused on specific collections, allowing the main museum to focus on
Greek culture over the span of the country's history.’ I visited this museum
after I’d climbed the hill to the funicular and met the person who was to be my
driver in Athens. To say I needed a cool, relaxing place to spend some time was
an understatement. I thoroughly enjoyed the collection housed here and wanted
to see the satellite museums, but my time in Athens was limited. There’s always
a purpose for going back to a place, and these museums are a very good reason.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Museum of Cycladic Art</b> (Neofitou Douka 4, Athina 106 74, Greece, +30
21 0722 8321) houses the collection of Cycladic and Ancient Greek art that belongs
to Nicholas and Dolly Goulandris. I had no idea what to <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jbMzBScsBGk/XgFOql82o6I/AAAAAAAARsk/yrxk_iMtwt0LIQLBinPlg1-epZKbhZc6wCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_6Cyclidic.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="710" height="253" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jbMzBScsBGk/XgFOql82o6I/AAAAAAAARsk/yrxk_iMtwt0LIQLBinPlg1-epZKbhZc6wCEwYBhgL/s400/Athens8-2019_6Cyclidic.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Cycladic statues, White bull<br />Bottom L to R: Ancient pot with Picasso's interpretation,<br />Golden necklace</span></td></tr>
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expect of Cycladic art,
but I thought I had a good handle on ancient Greek art; what I found was a well
curated mix of the two cultures with a bit of Picasso thrown into the medley. The
Cycladic culture is ancient, flourishing from c. 3300 to 1100 BCE on the
islands in the Aegean Sea. The Minoan civilization, Mycenaean Greece people, and
the Cycladic culture are the three major Aegean cultures comprising the three
main branches of Aegean art. The best known type of Cycladic artwork that
survived is the marble, full-length female figurine with arms folded across the
chest. I was glad I wandered down to the Museum because the art was
interesting, educational, and they know about air conditioning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We saw the <b>changing
of the guard</b> at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m-X97u6uOhA/XgFOrIDh6KI/AAAAAAAARso/YY8zsptOax0yrxVOCnrxuE4i0Ozz_jFgwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_7Guard.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="403" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m-X97u6uOhA/XgFOrIDh6KI/AAAAAAAARso/YY8zsptOax0yrxVOCnrxuE4i0Ozz_jFgwCEwYBhgL/s320/Athens8-2019_7Guard.bmp" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Parliament, Soldier<br />Bottom: Soldiers</span></td></tr>
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in front of the Parliament;
pompom shoes, skirts and all! This ceremony was lovely. It’s only the enlisted
men who wear those particular uniforms and they are required to iron the 400
pleats themselves. The officers not only don’t have to take care of their own
uniforms, but they don’t wear the skirts or pompom shoes. The soldiers standing
guard at the Parliament only do short shifts in the summer because of the heat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you travel with librarians you’re going to
go poking around libraries; and that’s quite alright with me. <b>Hadrian's </b><b>Library</b> (Areos
3, Τ.Κ. 105 55, <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yXyk_R32470/XgFOrb6MOmI/AAAAAAAARss/-kwjyUk5pY4Pny-8Gg_GSdEhg9AJSivsgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_8Hadrian.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="707" height="221" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yXyk_R32470/XgFOrb6MOmI/AAAAAAAARss/-kwjyUk5pY4Pny-8Gg_GSdEhg9AJSivsgCEwYBhgL/s400/Athens8-2019_8Hadrian.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">L to R: Hadrian's Library, Hadrian's Arch</span></td></tr>
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Athina, Greece, +30 21 0324 9350) was built on the north side
of the Acropolis by Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD 132. The was in a typical Roman
Forum architectural style, with only one entrance, a high surrounding wall with
protruding niches, and an inner courtyard surrounded by columns. The actual library
was on the eastern side of the structure where rolls of papyrus were filed. Attached
halls were reading rooms, with the corners serving as lecture halls. We
wandered all over trying to find these ruins and realized when we did that we’d
only been a couple of streets away in our searches.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We picked up the <a href="https://www.viator.com/Greece-tourism/d53-r21073997531-s228360611?mcid=28353&tsem=true&supci=-1776143020&supag=21073997531&supsc=aud-435409373039:kwd-308944119245&supai=315057836600&supap=1t2&supdv=c&supnt=g&supti=aud-435409373039:kwd-308944119245&suplp=9027307&supli=&m=28353&supag=21073997531&supsc=aud-435409373039:kwd-308944119245&supai=315057836600&supap=1t2&supdv=c&supnt=nt:g&suplp=9027307&supli=&supti=aud-435409373039:kwd-308944119245&tsem=true&supci=aud-435409373039:kwd-308944119245&supap1=&supap2=&gclid=Cj0KCQiAxfzvBRCZARIsAGA7YMw-QyFWH1OZn0L0_V5UaT3znZZ4NhCEs5bNgllKyNSv02rGMJtu_6waApDeEALw_wcB"><b>Hop on Hop off Bus</b></a> just outside the
Hilton. We rode <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-txBiOb0kZks/XgFOrozwgQI/AAAAAAAARsw/Fiyo-PFzhEkoFMIH-Bq88a5TvGvVFDRDwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_9OlympicStadium.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="461" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-txBiOb0kZks/XgFOrozwgQI/AAAAAAAARsw/Fiyo-PFzhEkoFMIH-Bq88a5TvGvVFDRDwCEwYBhgL/s320/Athens8-2019_9OlympicStadium.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Olympic Stadium, one of the stops</span></td></tr>
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the bus all over Athens and out to the sea. As expected the
Aegean was a gorgeous color, but the beaches reminded me of a rocky Corpus
Christi (Texas). We didn’t get off at any particular stop simply because we
wanted to see an overview of the area – and this is a good way to do it. During
our ride, we found it unbearably hot on the upper level, so on the ride back we
scooted down to the air conditioned level and did our best to stay awake until
we made it back to one of the main stops near old town. It was there that we
discovered a very nice place for a snack.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Lycabettus Funicular</b> (Ploutarchou 66, Athina 106 76, Greece, +30 21
0721 0701) ‘is a funicular railway to the top of Mount Lycabettus ... It was
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EyTuHCtK3Hg/XgFOkTwRmMI/AAAAAAAARsc/_ZWdvNH6uykCIq_H1TocjOYFd4fjEkT8gCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_10Funicularview.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="514" height="376" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EyTuHCtK3Hg/XgFOkTwRmMI/AAAAAAAARsc/_ZWdvNH6uykCIq_H1TocjOYFd4fjEkT8gCEwYBhgL/s400/Athens8-2019_10Funicularview.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Steep stairs, Athens<br />Bottom L to R: St George and Dragon, St George church</span></td></tr>
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constructed in the 1960s by the Greek Tourist Organization and was inaugurated
on April 18, 1965.’ I wandered around in 99+ degree weather looking for the funicular
which was at the top of stairs reminiscent of those near the Sacre Cour, but
steeper. On the way up I chatted with some Italian women in broken
Italian/English; we agreed that we were pazza (crazy) to be climbing the steps
instead of taking a taxi up to the entrance. There is a nice little gift shop
where you buy your tickets and can get cold water, soft drinks and a few
snacks. Once on the funicular I met a nice couple from Melbourne; we decided it
was bloody hot! From the top the views were amazing. There was also a pretty
little chapel that needs some restoration.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>What we ate</i>:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Aethrion Lounge</b> (46 Vassilissis Sofias Avenue, Athens, 11528,
Greece, <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JaErDdrm3kw/XgFOkR2ZjUI/AAAAAAAARsY/6tfmTKuBE-cAqgEScuLu4ZpJ1vZc2W65ACEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_11HiltonCafe.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="503" height="126" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JaErDdrm3kw/XgFOkR2ZjUI/AAAAAAAARsY/6tfmTKuBE-cAqgEScuLu4ZpJ1vZc2W65ACEwYBhgL/s200/Athens8-2019_11HiltonCafe.bmp" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">L to R: Menu, Avocado</span></td></tr>
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+30-210-7281000) was open when we arrived from our flight and was a
great place for our first meal in Athens. We split an open faced turkey and
avocado sandwich with a side of slaw. It was wonderful. Service was a bit slow,
but not horrible. We also had breakfast in this area and it was simply amazing,
although expensive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Barb and I went for a long walk from the Hilton over
to the old town where lots of the shops and eateries are located. It was hot,
but downhill; I got <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Restaurant, Hummus, Octopus<br />Bottom: Hummus, Cheese pie</span></td></tr>
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Barb to agree that it's easier to walk in kilometers than
miles...when Barb realized what she’d agreed to she called me a smart ass – an
accurate assessment. After some retail therapy we chose a place called <b>Ergon</b> <b>House</b> (23, Mitropoleos Street, Athina 105 57, Greece, +30 21 0010
9090) to eat. Above it is a boutique hotel I'd stay at in a flash just because
of its location. The food was excellent. I had grilled octopus and lentils;
Barb had hummus and a cheese pie with honey drizzled on it. We ate until we
nearly popped. The walk back up hill was really slow, but at least it was
cooler.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Oroscopo Restaurant</b> (Antinoros 42-44, Athina 161 21, Greece, +30 21
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0721 6458) is an ‘Uncomplicated Greek & European dishes in a modern,
air-con restaurant, also with terrace seating.’ The night we visited we sat
outside at a rather windy table, catching our bread as it flew from the plate.
However, the food was lovely. Everything came with soup, a spread made of beets
and one made of beans, and a salad. Among us we had calamari, duck, and sea
bass. The wine was nice, as well. The service, as is common in the
Mediterranean, was a bit slow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the <b>Public
Café</b> (Karagiorgi Servias 1, Athina 105 63, Greece, +30 21 0323 9101) we
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covered with warm chocolate
sauce, strawberries, banana slices, and raspberry sorbet. It was amazing! Thank
goodness we split it! From the café we could see the Parliament building and
the changing of the guard at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Three and one half carrots</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Anafiotika Cafe – Restaurant</b> (Mnisikleous 24, Athina 105 56, Greece, <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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+30 21
0324 4428) is one of those places with rooftop dining. The night we visited it
was jammed! We had a reservation, and it was still a short wait. The service
was slow simply because of the large numbers of people dining. The view from
the roof was lovely, and since it was after dark, the temperature was very comfortable.
My only complaint was that it’s difficult to read a packed menu by candlelight.
The chicken I had was good, but I think I’d order something different on a
subsequent visit.</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where we shopped:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Old town Athens is jam packed with places to shop. We looked
in them all, but didn’t go into most of them. Everything appeared clean and
attractive with good prices. Keep in mind that these folks, while in the
European Union, do not have a strong economy. They are laboring under a
government that has drastically changed in a relatively short time,
reconstructing the manner in which they have been paid, how long they have to
work, and whether they may or may not retire. To a person, they were pleasant,
kind, and quite willing to negotiate the price you pay depending on whether you
use a credit card, pay in euros, or pay in dollars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Four and one half carrots</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.dimitrios-exclusive.gr/?page_id=56">Dimitrios
Exclusive</a> (Ypsilantou 8, Athens 10675, Greece) was the place Constantine
and Harry took us to shop. We were treated like royalty! They had cold drinks
as well as wine and beer to sip on as we wandered through the shop admiring the
jewelry. The owner showed us all sorts of luscious pieces and made helpful
recommendations about which would fit with our coloring, personalities, and
pocketbooks. He knew what he was about, making our shopping both educational
and entertaining. We later found out that he has outlets all over the world
with wonderful pieces carefully designed to be pieces of art to wear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Four carrots</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>A Sports</b> (Adrianou
73, Athina 105 56, Greece, +30 21 0325 1935) has a lower level that is a real
treat! While you wait they will put your name in <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L to R: Exterior and Interior of A. Sport</td></tr>
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Greek on a t-shirt. Actually
they will put anything you’d like n a t-shirt. We drug almost everyone we knew
into this shop for t-shirts, souvenirs, and to talk to the guys who work there.
The shirts are of good quality and the prices are very good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Forget Me Not</b> (Adrianou
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Exterior of Forget Me Not</span></td></tr>
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3740) is a ‘Cool gift shop showcasing
an array of locally designed clothing, art & home accessories.’ There are
two levels with two separate doors and separate types of goods in the different
rooms. This shop carries things that not common and rather higher quality than
in many of the souvenir shops.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Statement inside of the Museum of Cycladic Arts</span></td></tr>
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NearNormal Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16189285591699474751noreply@blogger.com0Athens, Greece37.9838096 23.72753880000004837.8836966 23.566177300000046 38.0839226 23.888900300000049tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285513581279310157.post-55220249499990897082019-12-13T12:30:00.000-06:002019-12-13T12:30:07.347-06:00Acting out in Athens<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/epC20kH8DKw/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/epC20kH8DKw?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Greek Folk Dance</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best time to visit Athens is in the spring
(April, May, early June) or fall (mid-September, October); so of course we came
in August. This is one of the hottest months, as well as the time of year that
Athens has the most tourists. Was it hot – yes! Was it crowded – sort of. If
you went to the tourist places, and who doesn’t, there were substantial numbers
of people; if you hung out in museums or interesting places without air
conditioning, it wasn’t too crowded. Our best idea was to go to the ruins early
in the morning and save the museums for later in the day. In the evening the
best place to be was in a café that overlooked the water with some sort of cold
drink in your hand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although there is an old city in Athens, much of
the modern Metroplex <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCe1Z8ynSQk/XfAtbAR8YWI/AAAAAAAAReo/Ixiazi1CKI0oVI5fyKLF9Q5UQtSxAIF0gCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_1Pomegranet.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="461" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCe1Z8ynSQk/XfAtbAR8YWI/AAAAAAAAReo/Ixiazi1CKI0oVI5fyKLF9Q5UQtSxAIF0gCEwYBhgL/s320/Athens8-2019_1Pomegranet.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Pomegranate growing near the Lykeion</span></td></tr>
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has grown up around the scattered temples and ruins. From
our hotel window we could see the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Parthenon">Parthenon</a> and the <a href="https://www.lycabettushill.com/lycabettus-hill-history/">Lycabettus</a>,
but not much of anything else. And it’s a fair hike to the old city and to many
of the historical sites; although it was hot, it was worth the hike to explore
the area. <a href="https://www.athensguide.org/athens-history.html">Athens</a><span class="MsoHyperlink">,</span><span class="MsoHyperlink"> </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext;">inhabited for
at least 5000 years is the foundation of Western civilization.</span></span> Several
Greek scholars have written about how the city got its name. They all tell some
variance of the tale of <a href="https://greekgodsandgoddesses.net/goddesses/athena/">Athena</a> and <a href="https://www.greekmythology.com/Olympians/Poseidon/poseidon.html">Poseidon</a>
competing for honor. Poseidon struck the ground with his trident, producing a
spring that represented naval power; Athena brought forth a sacred olive tree
to symbolize peace and prosperity. The citizens of the city chose Athena,
naming the city Athens. Much later the Poseidon was honored by a town in
Southern Italian; the city was Poseidonia (now called Paestum). When we visited
the Parthenon, we got to see the contest between Athena and Poseidon
immortalized in the sculptures of the West Pediment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/404/">Acropolis</a>,
or ‘high city’, was probably inhabited in the <a href="https://www.ancient.eu/Neolithic/">Neolithic period</a>. It is an easily
defensible site, sitting on a rocky point above the Cephisian Plain. Once
you’re up on top, it is easy to see why people <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Residential area near the Parthenon</span></td></tr>
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wanted to live there; you could
see friends and enemies approaching from any direction. Although there is no
longer much evidence of the inhabitants, the Parthenon and other religious
sites within the Acropolis were surrounded by a village. Places of business and
social importance were actually down on the plain, more or less surrounding the
Acropolis. In antiquity there were steps cut into the side of the hill that led
down to the source of water. Now, you scramble up very steep, slick, weathered
limestone and marble to get up on the Acropolis. At one time the Greek
government had actually cut roads up to the top with tourists riding up in
buses or cars; currently, you walk to the top and it isn’t easy. In antiquity,
with its secure stronghold on the Acropolis and its access to the sea, Athens
was one of the leading centers of trade and prosperity in the region. Until the
9<sup>th</sup> century BC the chief city officials (nobility), and the
commander-in-chief ran the government. During this same time other towns around
Athens were incorporated into the city, making it the largest and wealthiest city
state on the Greek mainland. However, this created a class of people excluded
from political life. Political and social unrest grew so that by the 7<sup>th</sup>
century BC, the ruling body appointed Draco (from which comes the word
‘draconian’) to write strict new laws. These laws failed abysmally so in the 6<sup>th</sup>
century BC <a href="https://www.ancient.eu/solon/">Solon</a> was appointed to write
a new constitution.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Solon’s constitution was supposed to deal with
political and economic <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BNWCAmNdw-E/XfAtbCF7g_I/AAAAAAAARfA/c-eUoCBPhRkoEtZg_TtUJBHmiogbimI_wCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_3Cistern.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="461" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BNWCAmNdw-E/XfAtbCF7g_I/AAAAAAAARfA/c-eUoCBPhRkoEtZg_TtUJBHmiogbimI_wCEwYBhgL/s320/Athens8-2019_3Cistern.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Cistern built in Aristotle's school in 334 BC</span></td></tr>
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issues by abolishing slavery for debtors, opening up
trade, and breaking up huge tracts of land. Politically, this created four
classes of people based on wealth and their ability to perform military
service; the poor were the largest class and although they could vote, they
could not hold office. In retrospect it seems odd that the people of the time
didn’t see that this was not going to work for very long. Eventually the
government was overthrown and although some of the dictators were benevolent,
most were not. In 510 BC <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cleisthenes-of-Athens">Cleisthenes</a>,
a radical politician took charge establishing a democracy in Athens that lasted
170 years. And then the wars began. The Persians sacked Athens twice before
being driven out by the Athenians and Spartans. The Spartans, along with some
other city states fought the Athenians. Former allies turned against Sparta,
while former enemies sided with Athens to defeat Sparta. <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Thebes-Greece">Thebes</a> defeated <a href="https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/sparta">Sparta</a> in 371
BC in but then Athens and Sparta turned against Thebes. Meanwhile, the Greek
kingdom of Macedon was rising and in 338 BC the armies of Philip II defeated
Athens and Thebes. His son, <a href="http://www.ancientgreece.com/s/People/Alexander/">Alexander the Great</a>,
broadened the boarders of Greece through military exploits, making the
political structure of a city state obsolete. Athens continued to be a wealthy
city with a dynamic cultural life, but lost its standing as a leading political
power.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_y61QotpIlQ/XfAtb93DBGI/AAAAAAAARfA/jrolOV_sVCMKUDqOC2VAVIluWPLKkI5eACEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_5Melina%2BMercouri.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="379" height="176" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_y61QotpIlQ/XfAtb93DBGI/AAAAAAAARfA/jrolOV_sVCMKUDqOC2VAVIluWPLKkI5eACEwYBhgL/s200/Athens8-2019_5Melina%2BMercouri.bmp" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Monument to Melina Mercouri</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the next several centuries Athens was
possessed by the Romans (in particular Hadrian), Byzantine Empire, Italians, and
the Ottoman Empire; it wasn’t until 1821 that Greece became a sovereign country
naming Athens as its capital. The changing politics affected the economics of
the region, but intellectuals still populated the country. The list of artists,
philosophers, and scientists is legion: Aeschines, Aeschylus, Antiphon,
Aristophanes, Aristotle, Demosthenes, Euripides, Herodotus, Hippocrates, Homer,
Isocrates, Phidias, Plato, Socrates, Sophocles, Thucydides, and Xenophon, to
name but a few. Much later <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0580479/">Melina
Mercouri</a> became renowned for her role in <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054198/?ref_=nm_knf_t1">Never on
Sunday</a></i>, a movie that brought Greece into the spotlight for a lovely
place to visit. The change in leadership also changed the culture from worship
of the old gods to Christianity; Athens was overrun by the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/event/Crusades/The-Fourth-Crusade-and-the-Latin-empire-of-Constantinople">crusades</a>
and much of the ancient art was sold to other countries. Many of the temples
were destroyed, but others were turned into storage facilities, mosques,
catholic churches, or protestant churches. In the 19<sup>th</sup> century a
burst of construction gave Athens the University of Athens (1837), the National
Gardens of Athens (1840), the National Library of Greece (1842), the current
Greek Parliament Building (Old Royal Palace; 1843), the Old Parliament Building
(1858), the City Hall (1874), the Zappeion Exhibition Hall (1878), the Greek
National Academy (1885) and the current Presidential Palace (‘New’ Royal
Palace; 1897). And finally the city won the rights to host the <a href="https://www.olympic.org/athens-1896">1896 Summer Olympics</a>. Athens
continued to prosper until World War II when the country was taken over by Nazi
Germany; the people <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HxaTHXb8wW8/XfAtbg1CIoI/AAAAAAAARfE/8Ms1u4b1538HBxMeQH146ww6su01mFMbQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_4Sea.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="461" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HxaTHXb8wW8/XfAtbg1CIoI/AAAAAAAARfE/8Ms1u4b1538HBxMeQH146ww6su01mFMbQCEwYBhgL/s320/Athens8-2019_4Sea.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Aegean Sea</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
experienced many privations, leaving the city devastated.
Although liberated in 1944, the Greeks continued to fight communist influence.
Eventually the city began to grow again, becoming a tourist mecca, as well as a
place for the Greek people to work. However, the rapid growth brought horrid
traffic congestion and air pollution, both causing damage to the ancient
monuments. At one point you could not see the sea from the Acropolis. The loss
of the 1996 Summer Olympics spurred the government to start major
infrastructure projects and to pass ordinances that restricted use of cars in
Athens city center. The changes allowed Greece to host the <a href="https://www.olympic.org/athens-2004">2004 Olympic Games</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Greek Folk Dance</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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NearNormal Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16189285591699474751noreply@blogger.com0Athens, Greece37.9838096 23.72753880000004837.8836966 23.566177300000046 38.0839226 23.888900300000049tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285513581279310157.post-197176227251787212019-11-22T12:30:00.000-06:002019-11-22T12:30:09.444-06:00Geology, Hallucinogens, and Lots of Questions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the most famous places in Greece, and a
tourist destination since <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CfSKkwZGrX8/XdXccWw_KeI/AAAAAAAARTI/OObIeY7jLdAwRgW6FqCWZW9p7XvTppXuQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_01Mountains.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="461" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CfSKkwZGrX8/XdXccWw_KeI/AAAAAAAARTI/OObIeY7jLdAwRgW6FqCWZW9p7XvTppXuQCEwYBhgL/s320/Athens8-2019_01Mountains.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Mountains</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
as early as 1400 BCE, is Delphi. And being tourists,
Barb and I hopped on a bus for a tour of the area. I was anxious to see the
grotto down along some river or stream – one again, reality was not what
stories of the area had lead me to believe. It’s about a four and a half hour
ride through some very pretty <i>mountainous</i>
scenery from Athens to Delphi; luckily we had a great guide.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the many things I didn’t know was that
the <a href="https://www.thevintagenews.com/2019/01/03/pythia-oracle-of-delphi/">Oracle
of Delphi</a> was called the Pythia, a designation for a high priestess. This
name comes <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N8HPSCslcFg/XdXccfyltvI/AAAAAAAARTA/19tw3ETuyLYJUE0M5uoktjpUacLjuLtxQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_02ModelApolloTemple.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="461" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N8HPSCslcFg/XdXccfyltvI/AAAAAAAARTA/19tw3ETuyLYJUE0M5uoktjpUacLjuLtxQCEwYBhgL/s320/Athens8-2019_02ModelApolloTemple.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Model of the Temple of Apollo</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
from the verb ‘to rot’, referring to the stench of the giant Python
that Apollo killed – surely being signified as a ‘rotter’ had other
connotations in Apollo’s time. However, the beginnings of the Oracle appear to
be much older than the religion giving rise to the god Apollo. The oracle
probably originated about 1400 BC, the middle period of Mycenaean Greece (1600
– 1100 BC), and was dedicated to <a href="https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends-europe/gaia-0010891">Gaia</a>.
Evidently, at least by in the 8th century BC, Apollo’s priests took over the
shrine, establishing the Pythia, when they arrived from Delos. The <a href="https://global.oup.com/us/companion.websites/9780195397703/student/materials/chapter11/summary/">Homeric
Hymn to Delphic Apollo</a> gives details of how the god chose his priests; in
the form of a dolphin, Apollo jumped into a ship carrying ‘Cretans from Minos'
city of Knossos’ and recruited (more likely scared silly) the men to come to Delphi as his priests.
Between the worship of Gaia and the worship of Apollo, there are several
stories about the Oracle. One includes woozy goats, while another has to do
with men having convulsions after visiting a hole in the rock. The outcome of
these stories was that a young woman was chosen to go into the fissure.
Evidently female virgins were more expendable than men or goats.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although expendable, the surviving Pythia became
some of the most powerful women of the next few centuries. The women who served
as <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wgMsHstt51k/XdXccRponrI/AAAAAAAARTo/asV_qog_fGIvdpXCLwaPVudJogSJQ1SbQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_03Oracle.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="461" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wgMsHstt51k/XdXccRponrI/AAAAAAAARTo/asV_qog_fGIvdpXCLwaPVudJogSJQ1SbQCEwYBhgL/s320/Athens8-2019_03Oracle.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Near the fissure in the rocks</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
priestesses came from all walks of life: rich, middle class, servant class, married,
single, educated, and/or completely illiterate; they had only to be inspired by
the spirit of the god. Some ancient authors say that once the priestess had
inhaled the vapors from the cave she delivered her messages in gibberish;
others emphatically state that she spoke intelligibly in her own voice. In any
case, people of the time believed that the Oracle got her information directly
from Apollo and repeated it exactly. The problem with these prophecies was that
sometimes they were not understandable because the gods speak differently from
humans; what they blurt out may be difficult to interpret. Fortunately, interpretation
would usually allow enough information to get the job done. The gods have a lot
in common with today’s politicians, although ‘getting the job done’ has taken a
bit of a hit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While being the oracle was a full time job, the
Pythia and her entourage did get the three coldest months of the year to rest.
That was only fair since Apollo was on vacation those months leaving his
half-brother <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lKeMxI8Jqo/XdXcc7u5t9I/AAAAAAAART4/NwHFHb_B6_Mo4BDcJcskgwLMCLJkPyCswCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_04Writing.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="461" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lKeMxI8Jqo/XdXcc7u5t9I/AAAAAAAART4/NwHFHb_B6_Mo4BDcJcskgwLMCLJkPyCswCEwYBhgL/s320/Athens8-2019_04Writing.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Writings on the stones</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://greekgodsandgoddesses.net/gods/dionysus/">Dionysus</a>,
the first person to turn grape juice into wine, in charge. Once Apollo
returned, the Oracle would undergo purification rites and go back to the work
of delivering prophecies to those who requested them. The temple of Apollo,
itself, was an intricate part of the consultation of the oracle. Carved into
the temple entrance were two phrases: ‘know thyself’
and ‘nothing in excess’. There is also an ‘E’ which, according to Plutarch, is
the first letter of the phrase ‘make a pledge and mischief is nigh’ (ἐγγύα πάρα
δ'ἄτα) – interpret that as you will, but I see it as ‘don’t promise what you
can’t deliver’. Although many things had to be carved in stone, there are still
records of between 535 and 615 of the prophecies (<a href="http://www.hellenicaworld.com/Greece/LX/en/FamousOracularStatementsFromDelphi.html">Famous
Oracular Statements from Delphi</a>), more than half of which are historically
accurate. This makes sense because any important undertaking, a war or trip or
royal association, was brought to the temple for a prophecy by the Pythia.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even though there isn’t much left of Apollo’s
temple, there still exists quite a large market space for vendors selling all
sorts of goods, ranging from <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SvcGpEOLtIQ/XdXcdErfAII/AAAAAAAARTw/DQI1gaddP5wRS0_uiWyQEO5LViCZhqMNACEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_05Market.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="461" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SvcGpEOLtIQ/XdXcdErfAII/AAAAAAAARTw/DQI1gaddP5wRS0_uiWyQEO5LViCZhqMNACEwYBhgL/s320/Athens8-2019_05Market.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Market near Temple</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
food to souvenirs, to the supplicants. Walt Disney
didn't come up with the idea of a shopping opportunity when you exit the ride,
the Greeks did. The ruins we do see are from the 4<sup>th</sup> century BC and
were built on a temple from the 6<sup>th</sup> century, which was built on the
one that existed in the 7<sup>th</sup> century. Several of the temples were
destroyed by earthquakes; this also opened and closed underground streams and
vents, causing the variability of the vapor that supplied the oracle with
visions. The temple, and the oracle, survived until Christianity came into the
picture about 390 AD; the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Theodosius-I">Roman emperor
Theodosius I</a> destroyed it to remove Paganism from the area.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what really caused the Pythia to have
visions, goats to get woozy, and men to have seizures? That has been a question
that lots of folks have <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UTNQq9UnoRQ/XdXcdqg083I/AAAAAAAARTw/imDRZtjl7qQR6gmBxXBFpCPk2egiv8J4QCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_06ApolloTemple.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UTNQq9UnoRQ/XdXcdqg083I/AAAAAAAARTw/imDRZtjl7qQR6gmBxXBFpCPk2egiv8J4QCEwYBhgL/s320/Athens8-2019_06ApolloTemple.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Temple of Apollo Columns</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
tried to answer. Speculations abounded for years – the
breath of the gods was an early theory but one of the priests, Plutarch, said
that the oracular powers were associated with the vapors from the Kerna spring
waters that ran under the temple. And then in the 1800s the archeologists
arrived. The first few said that there was a chasm that released gasses from
under the earth; others argued that there were very few gas producing openings
in the earth, and those gasses escaping wouldn’t produce hallucinations. Other
scientists agreed stating that burning laurel or oleander could produce
visions, seizures, and sometimes death. Archeologists examining the site stated
that there was no crack in the floor of the temple and there had never been
one; another claimed that all of the ancient reports were due to the
gullibility of the people seeking information from the oracle. Finally, in the
1980s, a geologist, an archaeologist, a forensic chemist and a toxicologist
began examining Delphi as a part of the <a href="https://unctad.org/en/Pages/CSTD.aspx">United Nations</a>’ survey of all
active faults in Greece. They found evidence of a fault under the temple,
passages and drains for spring water, and rich deposits of hydrocarbons. The
hydrocarbons plus the movement along the faults could, indeed, produce gaseous
emissions that would rise through fissures in the rocks. This gas, quite
possibly ethylene, can, in low doses, cause trances, psychedelic experiences,
loss of inhibitions, and, in higher doses, agitation, confusion, delirium, and
loss of muscle control; in still higher doses, the gas is fatal. Plutarch’s descriptions
of the Pythia giving prophesies report occurrences of all of these symptoms.
Greece sits at the intersection of three tectonic plates that are responsible
for the earthquakes that has shaken the area for eons. This movement causes the
opening and closing of cracks in the rocks, making the amount, as well as the
potency, of ethylene fluctuate. Perhaps Theodosius I wasn’t the only force that
brought the age of the Oracle of Delphi to an end; the lack of earthquakes in
the area may have had an effect, as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just down the hill from the Temple of Apollo is
the <a href="http://www.delphic-oracle.info/delphic-oracle-museum.asp">Delphi
Archeological Museum</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext;"> (</span></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delphi_Archaeological_Museum">Wikipedia</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext;"> has a very nice visual tour of the museum with good
information about each room). We were delighted to make our way to this
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u69mLKvqc30/XdXcdgUszZI/AAAAAAAARTs/peiLQCSPjI4cx2nsMZFrTSkmIIC8WyP5gCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_07Charioteer.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="467" height="352" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u69mLKvqc30/XdXcdgUszZI/AAAAAAAARTs/peiLQCSPjI4cx2nsMZFrTSkmIIC8WyP5gCEwYBhgL/s400/Athens8-2019_07Charioteer.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Charioteer with inset of face. Note the eyes and lashes.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
building, because although the air temperature was warm, the reflection from
the light colored rocks made being outside for extended periods uncomfortably
hot. This museum is extraordinary because it documents the development of art
of the Temple of Apollo. Sculptures go from rather plain and cubic to flowing
and life-like. Our guide did an exemplary job of explaining how each form led
to the next, particularly with the influence of art from other countries
(particularly the Romans). At every turn I identified a new ‘favorite’ piece to
photograph. However, the most impressive was the </span></span><a href="https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-ncc-zeliart/chapter/early-classical-charioteer-of-delphi/"><i>Charioteer of Delphi</i></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="color: windowtext;">.</span></i></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext;"> Discovered in 1896 under a rock fall, it escaped being
melted down for the bronze and now has a place of prominence in the museum. The
statue commemorates the victory of Polyzalus of Gela in Sicily and his chariot
in the Pythian Games of 470 BC. The statue is nearly intact except for his left
forearm, the copper inlays on the lips, many of the silver eyelashes and the
headband. What is most impressive is that the inlaid glass eyes are preserved.
He is altogether glorious.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On our way back to Athens we
stopped at the Amalia Hotel Restaurant for lunch. This was a sit-down meal with
all sorts of Greek goodies including spinach or cheese quiche, breads, a Greek
salad, roasted <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v1OOUNCxDlQ/XdXcd0yQSrI/AAAAAAAART4/zNXFNC4UonANIPYM409H-7YaqQumcfnkwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_08Food.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="669" height="270" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v1OOUNCxDlQ/XdXcd0yQSrI/AAAAAAAART4/zNXFNC4UonANIPYM409H-7YaqQumcfnkwCEwYBhgL/s400/Athens8-2019_08Food.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Left T to B: Cheese pie, Spinach pie, Salad<br />Center: Chicken and vegetables<br />Right T to B: Dessert, Garden</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
chicken with zucchini and potatoes, and finally a honeyed sort
of pudding. Although this was a set menu, it was well prepared and well served.
The hotel had a lovely little garden area and appeared to be a nice place to stay
in Deli within walking distance of shopping and other things to see and do. The
bathrooms were clean and it was air conditioned, so we were comfortable on many
levels.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A bit further along we had time
to wander around a little town and add to <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TT8f_t2j7tM/XdXceFXhhjI/AAAAAAAART0/A-5DZzzaOX4VWw-car11CpGFphcJJIEOwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_09MoumentRoadside.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="461" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TT8f_t2j7tM/XdXceFXhhjI/AAAAAAAART0/A-5DZzzaOX4VWw-car11CpGFphcJJIEOwCEwYBhgL/s320/Athens8-2019_09MoumentRoadside.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Roadside Monument</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
the economy. Beside the roadways we
noticed small alters. We asked our </span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">guide about those and found that they had a
long history. Originally, they led priests to towns that were positive toward
new religions – basically where they wouldn’t get executed for their beliefs. In
the next iteration of these alters, they were places to stop and worship, leave
an offering, and once again find a route to a town that had Christian worship. In
the last century the alters were decorated or constructed near accident sites to
commemorate someone who died. Currently, the alters are constructed or
decorated, also near accident sites, to show thankfulness for someone who lived.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For information about my rating system of where we stayed, what
we ate, and what we did, see <a href="https://nearnormal-travel.blogspot.com/p/reading-riews.html">Reading the
Reviews</a><span class="MsoHyperlink">.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What we did:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oo2HBT9q5aY/Wt_xDYsdZNI/AAAAAAAAH5Y/-r1p8NIqEZUO1asaLv5YfdmZJL1hP7U6ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/4.5Carrots.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="419" height="160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oo2HBT9q5aY/Wt_xDYsdZNI/AAAAAAAAH5Y/-r1p8NIqEZUO1asaLv5YfdmZJL1hP7U6ACPcBGAYYCw/s200/4.5Carrots.bmp" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Four and one-half carrots</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Delphi
Archeological Museum<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oracle
of Delphi Tour by <a href="https://www.viator.com/Athens-attractions/Delphi/d496-a650">Viator</a><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where we ate:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv3MR1k9wC4/Wr75dnzq0EI/AAAAAAAAHZs/dEjIVCMf_P4b5ZjLjQQJr_89wg29tKkkACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/4Carrots.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="353" height="189" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv3MR1k9wC4/Wr75dnzq0EI/AAAAAAAAHZs/dEjIVCMf_P4b5ZjLjQQJr_89wg29tKkkACPcBGAYYCw/s200/4Carrots.bmp" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Four carrots</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b>Amalia
Hotel Restaurant</b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"> (Apollonos
str. 1, Delfi 330 54, Greece, +30 2265 082101)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-olXn8dFSITE/XdXceUzMcTI/AAAAAAAART4/67aABuMsxn8UyqfcOF_O-Tob1LCTh6wvACEwYBhgL/s1600/Athens8-2019_10Museum.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="649" height="401" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-olXn8dFSITE/XdXceUzMcTI/AAAAAAAART4/67aABuMsxn8UyqfcOF_O-Tob1LCTh6wvACEwYBhgL/s640/Athens8-2019_10Museum.bmp" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">L to R: Kurois, Sphinx, Melancholy Roman</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">©2019 NearNormal Design and Production Studio -
All rights including copyright of photographs and designs, as well as
intellectual rights are reserved.</span> </span></div>
NearNormal Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16189285591699474751noreply@blogger.com0Delphi 330 54, Greece38.4800567 22.49406169999997538.4738417 22.483976699999975 38.486271699999996 22.504146699999975tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285513581279310157.post-88022233782997547332019-11-08T12:30:00.000-06:002019-11-08T12:30:00.125-06:00Amsterdam, Again<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/h-IlrYrfd8A/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h-IlrYrfd8A?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I came back to Amsterdam. This is my third
trip and Dave’s second. Our first visit was in the 1980s with a tour group; we
saw the ‘common sites’, including, after dark, the red light district. Neither
of us was impressed. My next <a href="https://nearnormal-travel.blogspot.com/2015/08/around-amsterdam.html">trip</a>
was with Barb, and we concentrated on museums. This time I came because this is
where the cruise ended and stayed since it was a place Dave had never really
explored. I was tickled to get to show him some wonderful museums. We weren’t
in time to see the tulips, but the weather was lovely and it was fun to be out
on the canals in the little boats. Once again, for me the down side was the
number of bicycles – they seem to aim right at pedestrians with silent malice. (The video is falling blossoms from the Rijksmuseum.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unlike many of the other cities in Europe <a href="https://www.amsterdam.info/basics/history/#targetText=1200%2D1585%3A%20The%20Early%20History,%2C%20dated%20October%2027%2C%201275.">Amsterdam</a>
isn’t very old. The <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jz6a0QuuBBo/XcDsTgDp2_I/AAAAAAAARMk/hmX-WccNq3oLwh6MYll7sWU7kr61GRGeQCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_1Wariors.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="380" height="224" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jz6a0QuuBBo/XcDsTgDp2_I/AAAAAAAARMk/hmX-WccNq3oLwh6MYll7sWU7kr61GRGeQCEwYBhgL/s320/BasalAmst5-2019_1Wariors.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Guards - Asian Art, Rijksmuseum</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
land had been under reclamation since the 900s, but
probably for peat rather than for homesteading or farming. It wasn’t until the
1300s that Amsterdam was founded, and based on its trade with the <a href="https://www.ancient.eu/Hanseatic_League/#targetText=The%20Hanseatic%20League%20(also%20known,trade%20and%20protect%20mutual%20interests.">Hanseatic
League</a> it became a trade center. However, its focus switched from business
to religion when in 1345 a supposed Eucharistic miracle made Amsterdam a mecca
for the Protestants. A <a href="https://www.amsterdam.info/events/silent-procession/">Stille Omgang</a>
(silent walk) to celebrate this event has been conducted by pilgrims (as many
as 90,000) each year through the 21<sup>st</sup> century – although numbers
have decreased.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amsterdam and the Netherlands were the property
of Spain until the 16<sup>th</sup> century when the Dutch rebelled because of
taxes, the tenth penny, and <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pa9YovJ2LRY/XcDsUfcrxfI/AAAAAAAARMk/Ud49SQNIqNsyRIoMdsC52F2tMzVaRuE8ACEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_2Merangues.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="703" height="145" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pa9YovJ2LRY/XcDsUfcrxfI/AAAAAAAARMk/Ud49SQNIqNsyRIoMdsC52F2tMzVaRuE8ACEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_2Merangues.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">L to R: Meringues, Ducks with ducklings</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/inquisition">Inquisition</a>. This
rebellion became the Eighty Years' War, led by William the Silent. The result
of the Dutch independence was relative religious freedom and the influx of
people who were discriminated against in other parts of the world. The
intellectual tolerance common in Amsterdam was a strong draw for the Flemish
printers, making the city a center for the European free press. With
intellectualism came more economic growth and the establishment of the <a href="https://www.treetopam.com/behind-the-numbers/en/stock-market-history/historical-milestones/amsterdam-1602/">Amsterdam
Stock Exchange</a> in 1653, the first exchange to utilize continuous trade. This
along with a world-wide trading network helped to make Amsterdam the wealthiest
city in the western world. Amsterdam was also touted as the ‘Venice of the
North’ and its 17th-century canals are now listed as a <a href="https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/about-amsterdam/overview/history-and-society/canal-ring/unesco-world-heritage-list">UNESCO
World Heritage site</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By the end of the 19<sup>th</sup> century there
were new museums, a fabulous <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lDoECbyx2VU/XcDsU3b_2DI/AAAAAAAARMg/VyXp1TOjC3ggDbOF7pm9vC2xvk7u6ZsfgCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_3Canals.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="243" data-original-width="633" height="152" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lDoECbyx2VU/XcDsU3b_2DI/AAAAAAAARMg/VyXp1TOjC3ggDbOF7pm9vC2xvk7u6ZsfgCEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_3Canals.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">L to R: One of the canals, Dog in a canal boat</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
railway station, and the expansion of the canal
system to reach the Rhine and the North Sea. None of these things could stave off
the devastation that World Wars I and II would bring, in spite of the fact that
Amsterdam was neutral. During the First World War, people starved. During the
Second World War, the city was overrun by the Nazis; 60,000 of the 100,000 Jews
deported lived in Amsterdam. <a href="https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/anne-frank-biography">Anne
Frank</a>, who died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, was among them. The
Dutch Communist Party, one of the many groups outraged by these raids, organized
a protest group of 300,000 people to stand against the Nazis. As the war
continued and concluded, the Dutch people starved. However, in the years to
come the city would recover and begin to rebuild. The results were mixed. Riots
occurred when the city center, along with the Jewish quarter, were going to be
destroyed for a new road system. The outcome has been the restoration of the
city center, as well as the <a href="https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/living/about-living-in-amsterdam/neighbourhoods/grachtengordel">Grachtengordel</a>
(the three concentric canals called Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and
Prinsengracht); this canal system was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We got a lovely surprise during our visit.
Amsterdam was celebrating the 350<sup>th</sup> Anniversary of <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rembrandt-van-Rijn">Rembrandt van
Rijn</a>, considered the greatest master<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iX2moseUghQ/XcDsVCePW2I/AAAAAAAARMc/XId6p2KSsoY5sJljvOl3IDgsm2OQxJAwgCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_4Rembrandt.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="722" height="217" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iX2moseUghQ/XcDsVCePW2I/AAAAAAAARMc/XId6p2KSsoY5sJljvOl3IDgsm2OQxJAwgCEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_4Rembrandt.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Rembrandt, Jewish Bride, Night Watch<br />sculpture, Rembrandt<br />Bottom L to R: Salon, Paints, Small studio</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
of the Dutch Golden Age. Every museum
had something about or from Rembrandt. My favorite was a visit to Rembrandt’s
house. We got to visit every room including the large and small studios where
he did his work and where he taught students. Rembrandt would have loved cell
phones with ‘selfie sticks’; he painted oodles of self-portraits, giving
himself different clothing – especially hats. Through his paintings we got to
meet his mother, his wife, his mistress, his son, and many of his friends. And
of course, the Rijksmuseum was highlighting his art that they own.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If we’re ever back in the city, the place I want
to visit is the <a href="http://www.historichotelsthenandnow.com/americanamsterdam.html">American
Hotel</a>. It was built in 1898-1900 by W. Kromhout and H.G. Jansen in the <a href="https://theculturetrip.com/europe/the-netherlands/articles/hendrik-petrus-berlage-father-of-modern-dutch-architecture/">Berlage
style</a>. But a mere 20 years later it was simply too small; the <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MvUVcLWcfdg/XcDsVbTYJZI/AAAAAAAARMY/bJQeDGSFcrsd6-9bmpT1M25IBsbDRfnFACEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_5AmericanHotel.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="690" height="198" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MvUVcLWcfdg/XcDsVbTYJZI/AAAAAAAARMY/bJQeDGSFcrsd6-9bmpT1M25IBsbDRfnFACEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_5AmericanHotel.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Left T to B: American Hotel, Cafe American fountain<br />Right: Wall art</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
architect
G.J. Rutgers in collaboration with K. Bakker in 1927-1928, designed and oversaw
the completion of the expansion. The mixture of <a href="https://www.theartstory.org/movement/art-nouveau/">Art Nouveau</a> and <a href="https://www.britannica.com/art/Art-Deco">Art Deco</a> architecture is
really appealing to me. It has a café restaurant with a <a href="https://www.theartstory.org/movement/jugendstil/">Jugendstil</a> reading
room; it’s been on the national building registry for some years. The other
reason I am interested in this building is one of the people who stayed there. <a href="https://www.biography.com/performer/mata-hari">Mata Hari</a>, a Dutch
exotic dancer and courtesan, who was convicted of being a spy for Germany
during World War I evidently stayed in the hotel at one time and there is a
room in the hotel that bears her name.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We thoroughly enjoyed our time on the canals,
traveling through the city and seeing the architecture. One of our stops was a
flea market with everything from antiques to junk – it was fun to see what
people were selling. One of the most astonishing things about Amsterdam was
breakfast. We didn’t find a place to eat that opened ‘early’. Most restaurants
opened at around 10:00 AM; we did find a couple of bakeries that were open,
mostly for take-away, around 8:00 AM. Places to stay and eat abound; for
information about my rating system, see <a href="https://nearnormal-travel.blogspot.com/p/reading-riews.html">Reading the
Reviews</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext;">.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Where we stayed</i></b>:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv3MR1k9wC4/Wr75dnzq0EI/AAAAAAAAHZs/dEjIVCMf_P4b5ZjLjQQJr_89wg29tKkkACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/4Carrots.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="353" height="189" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv3MR1k9wC4/Wr75dnzq0EI/AAAAAAAAHZs/dEjIVCMf_P4b5ZjLjQQJr_89wg29tKkkACPcBGAYYCw/s200/4Carrots.bmp" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Four carrots</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Park Hotel </b>(Stadhouderskade 25, 1071 ZD Amsterdam,
Netherlands, +31 20 710 7277) is a lovely place to stay if you want to be <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ARWsrv5_SeY/XcDsVti_yCI/AAAAAAAARMc/CzI9DTOqcdAlqdMc1AyZ2MR2vDWdiXjqgCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_6ParkHotel.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="635" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ARWsrv5_SeY/XcDsVti_yCI/AAAAAAAARMc/CzI9DTOqcdAlqdMc1AyZ2MR2vDWdiXjqgCEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_6ParkHotel.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L to R: Bedroom, Bathroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
near
the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. The rooms are quite comfortable, well-appointed
and fairly roomy. The free internet is speedy and there did not seem to have an
issue with the number of people trying to use it. One of the nicer things about
the location was that it was near one of the boat Hop-on Hop-off stops.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once again we chose a <a href="https://www.vikingrivercruises.com/cruise-destinations/europe/rhine-getaway/2020-basel-amsterdam/index.html">Viking
Cruise</a>. This time we sailed on the Lofn <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6H1iJ70m72w/XcDsV-LvgDI/AAAAAAAARMk/btXcaRvxzqE8riVtBjFYrxBS7uPeDbOngCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_7Lofn.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="243" data-original-width="633" height="152" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6H1iJ70m72w/XcDsV-LvgDI/AAAAAAAARMk/btXcaRvxzqE8riVtBjFYrxBS7uPeDbOngCEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_7Lofn.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L to R: Bedroom, Upper deck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
from Basel to Amsterdam. The room
was quite comfortable and service was exceptional. This longboat is well
designed with a pleasing décor throughout.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>What
we did in Amsterdam</i></b>:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oo2HBT9q5aY/Wt_xDYsdZNI/AAAAAAAAH5Y/-r1p8NIqEZUO1asaLv5YfdmZJL1hP7U6ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/4.5Carrots.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="419" height="160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oo2HBT9q5aY/Wt_xDYsdZNI/AAAAAAAAH5Y/-r1p8NIqEZUO1asaLv5YfdmZJL1hP7U6ACPcBGAYYCw/s200/4.5Carrots.bmp" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Four and one-half carrots</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once again, the <b>Rijksmuseum</b>
(Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6zHwFEKgcCc/XcDsV-0dawI/AAAAAAAARMo/-4IKPFa9nqUTWptBqr9KSBTbbmQhmPgIwCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_8RembrandtsSocialNetwork.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="236" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6zHwFEKgcCc/XcDsV-0dawI/AAAAAAAARMo/-4IKPFa9nqUTWptBqr9KSBTbbmQhmPgIwCEwYBhgL/s200/BasalAmst5-2019_8RembrandtsSocialNetwork.bmp" width="141" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rembrandt's House</td></tr>
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Netherlands) was excellent and the fact
that it was Rembrandts birthday made it even better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Rembrandt’s
House</b> (Jodenbreestraat 4, 1011 NK Amsterdam,
Netherlands) was a great place to visit. We got a good insight in Rembrandt’s
life, his family, his friends and his students.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kXOH7pR77gc/WuudPisIWGI/AAAAAAAAH_4/Z_xF4RkXFN4YoHLcOVD2yeHdm1K92N3OwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/3Carrots.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="266" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kXOH7pR77gc/WuudPisIWGI/AAAAAAAAH_4/Z_xF4RkXFN4YoHLcOVD2yeHdm1K92N3OwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/3Carrots.bmp" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Three carrots</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Hop-on, Hop-off</b> (Damrak 34I, 1012 LK Amsterdam, Netherlands, +31
20 420 4000) provides both boats and buses in Amsterdam. <i>You have to <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-yfGVoAUwU/XcDsVwq4o2I/AAAAAAAARMg/X0c_4AF6yYwnpK5DmIXWDuiw8OlG4t-SQCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_9HopOn.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="472" height="207" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-yfGVoAUwU/XcDsVwq4o2I/AAAAAAAARMg/X0c_4AF6yYwnpK5DmIXWDuiw8OlG4t-SQCEwYBhgL/s320/BasalAmst5-2019_9HopOn.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Hop-on, Hop-off Boat</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
pick up your passes near the train station if you buy them
online!</i> We found that the boat service was very good with its description
of the historic sites that we sailed past. On the other hand, the bus service
left a lot to be desired. There were few busses on which the sound system
worked and absolutely no provision for the lack of information.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>What we ate</i></b>:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv3MR1k9wC4/Wr75dnzq0EI/AAAAAAAAHZs/dEjIVCMf_P4b5ZjLjQQJr_89wg29tKkkACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/4Carrots.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="353" height="189" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv3MR1k9wC4/Wr75dnzq0EI/AAAAAAAAHZs/dEjIVCMf_P4b5ZjLjQQJr_89wg29tKkkACPcBGAYYCw/s200/4Carrots.bmp" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Four carrots</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8le787o14E/XcDsSleytTI/AAAAAAAARMo/Y5GwAUfE_282i9_rxFms2_EqO_x-5a3KACEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_10LofnFood.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="654" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8le787o14E/XcDsSleytTI/AAAAAAAARMo/Y5GwAUfE_282i9_rxFms2_EqO_x-5a3KACEwYBhgL/s320/BasalAmst5-2019_10LofnFood.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">L to R: Cheese plate, Raspberry dessert</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The food on the <b>Lofn</b> was varied and, for the most part, delicious. My only
disappointment was that they didn’t spoil me as some of the other Viking crews
did. Generally they told me where the onions and spinach were, but didn’t offer
to cook something special for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Croissanterie C’est Manifique</b> (Leidsestraat 18, 1017 PA Amsterdam) <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gPZh1nJB1JQ/XcDsSpyEe5I/AAAAAAAARMc/oPEn1CpBMvMrjWrVgypoif8JcGEiCEV3QCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_11Croissanterie.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="986" height="314" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gPZh1nJB1JQ/XcDsSpyEe5I/AAAAAAAARMc/oPEn1CpBMvMrjWrVgypoif8JcGEiCEV3QCEwYBhgL/s320/BasalAmst5-2019_11Croissanterie.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top L to R: Logo, cappuccino<br />Bottom L to R: Chocolate croissant,<br />Apple bun</td></tr>
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was one of
the only places open for an early breakfast in Amsterdam. We had two very nice
pastries and two good cappuccinos for a reasonable price. There isn’t much room
to sit and eat since this is a take-away place. We had a tiny table next to the
mirror where we could see the pastry cases and where we could watch the ladies preparing
for breakfast and lunch.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqQKej17KSA/Wt_x-BuagtI/AAAAAAAAH5k/CvUaoxUrHggm4lLafY360fuhDZphAzfSQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/3.5Carrots.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="346" height="193" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqQKej17KSA/Wt_x-BuagtI/AAAAAAAAH5k/CvUaoxUrHggm4lLafY360fuhDZphAzfSQCPcBGAYYCw/s200/3.5Carrots.bmp" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Three and one-half carrots</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Café
Restaurant Orff </b>(Jodenbreestraat 5, 1011 NG Amsterdam,
Netherlands, +31 20 330 0162)<b> </b>is a
family/worker restaurant with a <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GYOyZjlQStk/XcDsSh7IXvI/AAAAAAAARMo/ncsXRKSVZFEzr-oLbLlXrsnk6VVEUXoqACEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_12Orff.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="679" height="158" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GYOyZjlQStk/XcDsSh7IXvI/AAAAAAAARMo/ncsXRKSVZFEzr-oLbLlXrsnk6VVEUXoqACEwYBhgL/s320/BasalAmst5-2019_12Orff.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L to R: Logo, Sandwich, squid</td></tr>
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limited menu. Dave had a club sandwich with
some very good fries, and I had some squid rings. What is surprising is that
cost of a Coke and the size; the cost is large and the size is small, about
$3.00 for about 8 ounces of fluid. Great service and pretty good food.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>De Molenwiek</b> (Korte
Leidsedwarsstraat 95A, 1017 PX Amsterdam, <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h55NPL337jk/XcDsS_vx1fI/AAAAAAAARMo/f-csb3CxGmouBVQL2buX_wtH7_QC-0vzwCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_13DeMolenwiek.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="691" height="146" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h55NPL337jk/XcDsS_vx1fI/AAAAAAAARMo/f-csb3CxGmouBVQL2buX_wtH7_QC-0vzwCEwYBhgL/s320/BasalAmst5-2019_13DeMolenwiek.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L to R:, Menu, Fish and chips, pancake<br />bites</td></tr>
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Netherlands, +31 20 776 6671) is an
eatery off of the tourist area with an interesting menu. Dave and I split some
fish and chips; then we had some pancake bites! The bites were quite good, but
the fish was only fair – surprising for a place on the water.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kXOH7pR77gc/WuudPisIWGI/AAAAAAAAH_4/Z_xF4RkXFN4YoHLcOVD2yeHdm1K92N3OwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/3Carrots.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="266" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kXOH7pR77gc/WuudPisIWGI/AAAAAAAAH_4/Z_xF4RkXFN4YoHLcOVD2yeHdm1K92N3OwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/3Carrots.bmp" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Three carrots</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sama Sebo</b> (Pieter
Cornelisz Hooftstraat 27, 1071 BL Amsterdam, Netherlands, +31 20 662 8146) is a
popular restaurant with daily specials.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8o39dPaleo/XcDsTAXKdoI/AAAAAAAARMU/xSNUoJuZlIs6v-P0efJ3JDqAhQUVt3tlgCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_14SamaSebo.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="493" height="283" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8o39dPaleo/XcDsTAXKdoI/AAAAAAAARMU/xSNUoJuZlIs6v-P0efJ3JDqAhQUVt3tlgCEwYBhgL/s320/BasalAmst5-2019_14SamaSebo.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top L to R: Menu, Bread<br />Bottom: Nasi greng</td></tr>
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We decided to indulge in the nasi greng
with noodles and naan bread with dipping sauce. It was okay, and probably would
have been better if we’d actually had a table large enough for our plates.
Service was okay, but not outstanding.</span><br />
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NearNormal Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16189285591699474751noreply@blogger.com0Amsterdam, Netherlands52.3666969 4.894539799999961452.2115244 4.571816299999961 52.5218694 5.2172632999999617tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285513581279310157.post-38281686307951892442019-10-11T12:30:00.000-05:002019-10-11T12:30:04.855-05:00Winding through the Kinderdijk Windmills<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally! I was going to get to see actual
windmills. Growing up in Texas I’d <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PNgthb4JS_k/XZvjJqulWfI/AAAAAAAAQ0E/XMPaqNh0TporIED344Yhzufb8OuzgpjJACEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_1Windmill.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="519" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PNgthb4JS_k/XZvjJqulWfI/AAAAAAAAQ0E/XMPaqNh0TporIED344Yhzufb8OuzgpjJACEwYBhgL/s320/BasalAmst5-2019_1Windmill.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Several of the windmills</span></td></tr>
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seen windmills all of my life; those wimpy
little things with tiny blades that pumped water into the cattle tanks, or even
for household use. However, the day I heard the story of the boy with his
finger in the dike and saw the pictures that went with it, I wanted to see a
‘real’ windmill. Later in high school I read Don Quixote, and again, there were
‘real’ windmills. I’d been to the Netherlands previously, but never visited any
windmills – this was my chance!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The day we docked near <a href="https://www.kinderdijk.com/discover/the-story/">Kinderdijk</a> the
weather was unsettled; it rained, blew, and the sun shone. Our guide, a local
science teacher who <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OHr66U6DzPg/XZvjJh_S3mI/AAAAAAAAQz4/AzhPdg8w6e0lZ1at2QYO9nRRezTcNKQQwCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_2Windmills.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="667" height="246" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OHr66U6DzPg/XZvjJh_S3mI/AAAAAAAAQz4/AzhPdg8w6e0lZ1at2QYO9nRRezTcNKQQwCEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_2Windmills.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">L to R: Mechanism to turn windmill, Windmill</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
volunteered as a tour leader, was actually wearing wooden
shoes! And out ahead of us were windmills, real windmills! Today the sails were
not open, so the mills weren’t spinning. This group of 19 massive windmills were
built between 1738 and 1740 to keep water out of the polder, a piece of
low-lying land reclaimed from the sea or from a river and protected by dikes. This
is the largest concentration of old windmills in the Netherlands; the mills and
the associated village have been listed as national monuments since 1993. They were
listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kinderdijk polder lies at the confluence of the
Lek and Noord rivers and <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kodz-_yWVc4/XZvjJgfacfI/AAAAAAAAQz8/apCPYlsDfgcYk8yGmF1tYNbkB5eeRVW9QCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_3Inside.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="604" height="153" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kodz-_yWVc4/XZvjJgfacfI/AAAAAAAAQz8/apCPYlsDfgcYk8yGmF1tYNbkB5eeRVW9QCEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_3Inside.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L to R: Gears, Sitting room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
began having water issues in the 1200s. Large canals were
dug to get rid of the excess water but, the drained soil began setting, with
the river level rising as sand was deposited. This worked for a few centuries,
but eventually more technology was needed to keep the water out. The windmills
were used to pump out the water without depleting the soil by using a reservoir
and a series of locks. Some of the windmills are still being used for this
purpose, today, but modern pumping stations are also in place. Although some of
the windmills are only for tourists to visit, others still house families. At
one time there were as many as 30 children going to school in one of the
windmills. While they are large, or at least the blades are, there doesn’t seem
to be enough room in the mills to house that many wiggling bodies and teach
them anything. Another feature of the mill was a two part door. This was
instituted to keep the people living in the mill safe from the swinging blades.
Not only do the blades spin, but they also swivel around the body of the mill;
stepping into these flying blades is fatal. All in all the windmills met my
expectations; they were larger than I had anticipated and moved in an
unexpected manner.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now back to the <a href="https://hollandvsnetherlands.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/why-walk-on-wooden-shoes/">wooden
shoes</a>…Our guide told us that until he went to public school he had no other
type of shoes. These were hand carved <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O7M3KIN6NbI/XZvjKduRTYI/AAAAAAAAQ0I/WWooP_vlDeEp_F5dDsuKZ225qAxPV1wJwCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_4WoodenShoes.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="519" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O7M3KIN6NbI/XZvjKduRTYI/AAAAAAAAQ0I/WWooP_vlDeEp_F5dDsuKZ225qAxPV1wJwCEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_4WoodenShoes.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Wooden shoes</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
and had to be re-carved as the child
grew. They weren’t those prettily painted shoes you see in pictures, but just
raw wood. So was it thick socks that kept his feet warm? Actually not. He said
that the heat generated by his feet warmed the wood and kept him warm; in the summer,
the shoes were cool. I’m not at all sure I believe that. Socks were worn inside
the mill; shoes were only worn outside. When he got into first grade the other
children made fun of his clogs, so his parents put him in less traditional footwear.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B38uGBCCVm4/XZvjKrFRyAI/AAAAAAAAQ0A/RqdHVyfz8hAhOSoh2SRgRX1wiL3uUOTeACEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_5Goslings.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="271" data-original-width="663" height="260" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B38uGBCCVm4/XZvjKrFRyAI/AAAAAAAAQ0A/RqdHVyfz8hAhOSoh2SRgRX1wiL3uUOTeACEwYBhgL/s640/BasalAmst5-2019_5Goslings.bmp" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">L to R: Geese and goslings, Log bike rack</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">©2019 NearNormal Design and Production Studio -
All rights including copyright of photographs and designs, as well as
intellectual rights are reserved.</span><br />
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NearNormal Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16189285591699474751noreply@blogger.com02961 Kinderdijk, Netherlands51.8837436 4.633091599999943451.864141100000005 4.5927510999999432 51.9033461 4.6734320999999435tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285513581279310157.post-69120668238790652082019-10-04T12:30:00.000-05:002019-10-04T12:30:02.832-05:00Brühl Byways and Palaces<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4cM98abpubQ/XZFy20mcmVI/AAAAAAAAQuU/1-3rVIAmONMfSB3N1hnOxbnX3U4KSLOywCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_1ScotishPig.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="354" height="282" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4cM98abpubQ/XZFy20mcmVI/AAAAAAAAQuU/1-3rVIAmONMfSB3N1hnOxbnX3U4KSLOywCEwYBhgL/s320/BasalAmst5-2019_1ScotishPig.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Pig in a kilt</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So my burning question is what’s the difference
between a palace and a castle? In my mind, a castle has to have turrets, lots
of different levels, parapets, balconies, bridges, terraces and even a moat! A
palace is nothing more than a really big mansion. And I’m sort of right. It’s a
castle if it has fortifications; otherwise it’s only a palace. Since we had a
chance to see some palaces, off we went. The Augustusburg and Falkenlust
Palaces are in North Rhine-Westphalia rather than right down on the river. It
was a nice drive and the weather sort of cooperated – it didn’t rain, sleet or
hail.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/288/">Augustusburg
and Falkenlust Palaces</a> have been a UNESCO cultural World Heritage Site
since 1984. They are connected by the lovely <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iyKQbSISiys/XZFy3CwUgsI/AAAAAAAAQuY/jBvmKIK3hp4DH2Z-Mp7s-9WgvAmLYfOigCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_2Palace.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="666" height="242" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iyKQbSISiys/XZFy3CwUgsI/AAAAAAAAQuY/jBvmKIK3hp4DH2Z-Mp7s-9WgvAmLYfOigCEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_2Palace.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Left: Exterior of Augustusburg Palace<br />Right T to B: Statue, Gardens</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
gardens and trees of the
Schlosspark. Augustusburg Palace. It would have been a chilly, but lovely walk
from one to the other, but we didn’t have time to stroll and see the inside of these
edifices. They were built early in the 1700s by <a href="https://www.koelner-dom.de/geschichte/bischoefe/clemensaugusti-vonba/?L=1">Clemens
August of Bavaria</a>, the Archbishop-Elector of Cologne using architects Johann
<a href="https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/dictionaries-thesauruses-pictures-and-press-releases/schlaun-johann-conrad-von">Conrad
Schlaun</a> and <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Francois-de-Cuvillies-the-Elder">François
de Cuvilliés</a> who used Bacerian <a href="https://www.britannica.com/art/Rococo">Rococo</a> in the architecture.
The Augustusburg Palace is basically U-shaped with three main stories and two attics.
The gardens were designed by Dominique Girard and while they were pretty, not
many things were in bloom. Although it was used as a residence, from shortly
after World War II until 1994, Augustusburg has been a reception hall for
guests of state by the German President. I was disappointed that we were not
allowed to take pictures inside; think of a well-appointed mansion from the 18<sup>th</sup>
century, and you have an idea of the furnishings that are in the palace.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of more interest to me was the Falkenlust
hunting lodge (palace). It was, <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iCn1sQkhogY/XZFy3GdudTI/AAAAAAAAQuc/n5_iMsHukwkqqoS2MkIFmDXjgoykUHYPACEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_3HuntingLodge.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="677" height="181" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iCn1sQkhogY/XZFy3GdudTI/AAAAAAAAQuc/n5_iMsHukwkqqoS2MkIFmDXjgoykUHYPACEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_3HuntingLodge.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">L to R: Hunting lodge, Gate decoration</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
once again, designed by François de Cuvilliés, in Bavarian
Rococo style and built between 1729 and 1740. This is substantially smaller
than the Augustusburg Palace; it’s shaped like a brick and only two stories
tall. I’m guessing that there is an attic, but we didn’t get up that high.
Everything in the palace is related to hunting, in particular hunting herons
with falcons. I found the Falkenlust even more beautiful inside than the larger
palace; again, we weren’t allowed to take pictures of the interior. However,
clicking on this <a href="https://www.schlossbruehl.de/en/picture-gallery-2/">link
to the palaces</a> till take you to a site that has a few interior photos of
both places.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not far from the hunting lodge sits a tiny gem.
A chapel dedicated to <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09763a.htm">Saint
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOd0jdrO6d8/XZFy3cJTTPI/AAAAAAAAQug/qbAy1_Q_ipE3CxlRFBuE9iB9udJZ97MZwCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_4Chapel.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="534" height="337" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOd0jdrO6d8/XZFy3cJTTPI/AAAAAAAAQug/qbAy1_Q_ipE3CxlRFBuE9iB9udJZ97MZwCEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_4Chapel.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top L to R: Chapel, Interior<br />Bottom L to R: Shells, Lapis Lazuli</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mary of Egypt</a> was constructed in about 1730. It was designed by Pierre Laporterie as a grotto-style hermitage. Set into the walls are sea shells and
lapis lazuli. Looking in from the windows you can see the mosaic floors
throughout the chapel. It’s going to be an amazing place once it is completely
restored.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wk9Qjj8m-Kw/XZFy3t86nOI/AAAAAAAAQug/PL9mS_lGmcYx90-dfBpN8r8qAAQ9yH0KwCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_5Geese.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="284" data-original-width="381" height="238" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wk9Qjj8m-Kw/XZFy3t86nOI/AAAAAAAAQug/PL9mS_lGmcYx90-dfBpN8r8qAAQ9yH0KwCEwYBhgL/s320/BasalAmst5-2019_5Geese.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Egyptian Geese</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">©2019 NearNormal Design and Production Studio -
All rights including copyright of photographs and designs, as well as
intellectual rights are reserved.</span></div>
NearNormal Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16189285591699474751noreply@blogger.com050321 Brühl, Germany50.8267554 6.89878659999999450.7465004 6.7374250999999941 50.907010400000004 7.0601480999999939tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285513581279310157.post-41135434670434949982019-09-29T19:24:00.001-05:002019-09-29T19:24:30.717-05:00Curious about Cologne, Germany<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cologne is a pretty city with architecture
influenced by the Dutch as well <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MyvJhk0VaBc/XZFHbeibLII/AAAAAAAAQto/B3kctlo6qQQybu8h9IFvkIEDSxzvfwc3ACEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_1Cologne.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="519" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MyvJhk0VaBc/XZFHbeibLII/AAAAAAAAQto/B3kctlo6qQQybu8h9IFvkIEDSxzvfwc3ACEwYBhgL/s320/BasalAmst5-2019_1Cologne.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Restaurant area in Cologne</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
as the Italians and the French. But what I
loved most about the city was the cathedral. It’s nearly over the top Gothic
architecture is jaw-dropping. So I was stunned when one of our party absolutely
refused to go inside – and was nasty about it. All I could think was ‘ugly
American’. Our tour guide was gracious, recommending a nice place for a cup of
coffee while this person and a companion waited for the tour to continue.
Better manners would have been to inquire as to a café location and quietly
state that they would wait for us there; it doesn’t cost anything to be polite.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As with many cities in Europe, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Cologne-Germany">Cologne</a> is really
old, dating from 38 BC. Its position on the Rhine made it a good place for
commerce, and a good <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fg2SSjic8iM/XZFHbff4zSI/AAAAAAAAQtk/Rfg7nwkgstoSxukieA4zrzdXUTg9cnT8ACEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_2Tower.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="346" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fg2SSjic8iM/XZFHbff4zSI/AAAAAAAAQtk/Rfg7nwkgstoSxukieA4zrzdXUTg9cnT8ACEwYBhgL/s320/BasalAmst5-2019_2Tower.bmp" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">City gate</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
place to be captured by whomever wanted the area. Because
it was a prime location, it was also a great place for religions to apply their
influence. This was important because religion, at the time, was synonymous
with government. The religious leaders wanted a headquarters from which to rule
the area and Cologne provided a nice vantage point. Of course you can’t have a
headquarters without some outward show of power. This was usually in the form
of a relatively large, well-decorated church; the Cathedral at Cologne
certainly qualifies, as do several others within the town. Roman imperial
governors lived in the city making it one of the most important production and
trade centers in the Roman Empire north of the Alps.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After years of battles among the local
governments, Cologne gained its <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-JEubboU5g/XZFHbUKMdOI/AAAAAAAAQts/ORnTl85EXM4KhxtbVSDG-tj6YIWhvqYDwCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_3Cathedral.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="396" height="257" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-JEubboU5g/XZFHbUKMdOI/AAAAAAAAQts/ORnTl85EXM4KhxtbVSDG-tj6YIWhvqYDwCEwYBhgL/s320/BasalAmst5-2019_3Cathedral.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Crypt for reliquary</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
independence from the Catholic Church in 1288,
making it a Free City. However, the church was in charge of criminal justice,
including torture; this lasted until the French took over the city, as well as
the courts. Although a free city, Cologne was also an important site of
medieval pilgrimage, holding the relics of the <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/christmas-and-advent/5-common-myths-about-the-three-wise-men-story.html">Three
Wise Men</a> (the magi), <a href="https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofEngland/Saint-Ursula-the-11000-British-Virgins/">Saint
Ursula</a>, and <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01264a.htm">Saint Albertus
Magnus</a>. The population, and the economy, grew for several hundred years. In
the 18<sup>th</sup> / 19<sup>th</sup> century, however, a political leader
changed the face of the area and of Cologne. The region became a part of <a href="https://www.history.com/topics/france/napoleon">Napoleon’s Empire</a>,
with Cologne giving up its free city status. And, again, Cologne prospered;
that is until World War I when it became a <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/German-Confederation">Fortress of the
German Confederation</a>. With this governmental change, there was a boost to
the vehicle and engine manufacturing to support the war effort. The Cathedral,
began in 1284, was finally completed and used not only as a church, but as a
German national monument. Other historic areas were demolished to be replaced
by contemporary buildings. And even though Cologne was the target of several
air raids during the war, the city wasn’t particularly damaged. Much more
destructive to Cologne was the election in 1933 of members of the <a href="https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/nazi-party">Nazi Party</a>.
Once in office, they arrested the Communist and Social Democrat members of the city
assembly, jailing, deporting or murdering them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During World War II, Cologne was a Military Area
Command Headquarters for the <a href="http://www.nww2m.com/2011/12/allies-and-axis-whos-who-in-wwii/">Axis
powers</a>. The Allies dropped 44,923.2 tons of bombs on the city, destroying
61%; <a href="http://architectuul.com/architect/rudolf-schwarz">Rudolf Schwarz</a>
said that Cologne <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KBVr_i_C9uk/XZFHb9sA8fI/AAAAAAAAQts/UP_p83lPWwcCVW7sDefkxdCCU7llhwpsACEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_4Cathedral.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="587" height="315" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KBVr_i_C9uk/XZFHb9sA8fI/AAAAAAAAQts/UP_p83lPWwcCVW7sDefkxdCCU7llhwpsACEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_4Cathedral.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Cathedral interior, Exterior, Stained glass<br />window<br />Bottom L to R: One entry, Window detail</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
was the ‘world's greatest heap of rubble’. Schwarz was the designer
of the reconstruction that began in 1947 and lasted until the 1990s. The loss of
cultural treasures including the famous <a href="https://www.spottinghistory.com/tag/twelve-romanesque-churches-of-cologne/1/">Twelve
Romanesque churches</a> (i.e. St. Gereon, Great St. Martin, St. Maria im
Kapitol) and other monuments was remedied, to a certain extent through this
restoration. Not just buildings were destroyed, but by the end of the war, Cologne's
pre-war Jewish population of 11,000 had been deported or killed by the Nazis.
The only church that didn’t suffer extensive damage was the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Cologne-Cathedral">Cathedral Church of
Saint Peter</a> (a.k.a. Cologne Cathedral). According to our guide, the bombers
left it relatively intact because it was used as a point of navigation. At the
time it was the tallest twin-spired church in the world. Now, at 515 feet (157
m), it’s the second tallest in Europe, after the <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/ulm-mintser-ulmer-muenster">Ulm
Cathedral</a>, and third in the world. This amazing monument to <a href="http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/history-of-art/gothic-architecture.htm">Gothic
architecture</a> was declared a <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/292">World
Heritage Site</a> in 1996. It’s pretty, inside, with the nave boasting many
19th century stained glass windows. The <a href="http://bayernfenster.koelner-dom.de/">Bayernfenster</a>, a set of five windows
on the south side, represents the German style of painting at that time and were
a gift from <a href="http://www.unofficialroyalty.com/king-ludwig-i-of-bavaria/">Ludwig
I of Bavaria</a>. As we were leaving the area one member of our tour group
remarked to the guide that she was sorry for the destruction of World War II.
His comment seems to be typical of many people currently living in Germany. ‘We
deserved it’, he said.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E-VRhqZErOY/XZFHb0E6V3I/AAAAAAAAQtw/8nPwQiFiAe4lLSU-VP3loJIvenzgJ6moACEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_5StreetArt.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="661" height="196" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E-VRhqZErOY/XZFHb0E6V3I/AAAAAAAAQtw/8nPwQiFiAe4lLSU-VP3loJIvenzgJ6moACEwYBhgL/s640/BasalAmst5-2019_5StreetArt.bmp" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Street scenes, L to R: Goat and grapes, Toothed head, Head in the rocks</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">©2019 NearNormal Design and Production Studio -
All rights including copyright of photographs and designs, as well as
intellectual rights are reserved.</span></div>
NearNormal Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16189285591699474751noreply@blogger.com0Cologne, Germany50.937531 6.960278600000037850.61747 6.314831600000038 51.257592 7.6057256000000377tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285513581279310157.post-39047165751346508172019-09-20T12:30:00.000-05:002019-09-20T12:30:03.548-05:00Marking Time in Marksburg Castle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rP24gvyhkuQ/XXfIl9Vl8kI/AAAAAAAAQUg/JBw7yhHoIBEiA_E6ABfPdSnn_LfpLvfPQCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_1Vineyard.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="519" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rP24gvyhkuQ/XXfIl9Vl8kI/AAAAAAAAQUg/JBw7yhHoIBEiA_E6ABfPdSnn_LfpLvfPQCEwYBhgL/s320/BasalAmst5-2019_1Vineyard.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Working in the Vineyard</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After seeing all of the castles and the near vertical
vineyards from the river, it was fitting that we got to go exploring. The
Marksburg Castle sits above the town of Braubach and is one of the principal
sites of the Rhine Gorge UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although it was never used
as a royal residence, it served as a fortress protecting this portion of the
Rhine River. Its butter-churn shaped tower makes it stand out from all of the other
castles along the river. It is also the only castle along the valley between
Bingen am Rhein and Koblenz that was never destroyed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This castle began its life as a stone keep in
1100 built by the Eppstein family. A few years later they expanded it into a
castle to protect <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SA9ARdED5kk/XXfIlw7eseI/AAAAAAAAQUY/bOgKOJsORwMeiflO1G_LgmqeWmgWxfnmACEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_2Overlook.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="607" height="151" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SA9ARdED5kk/XXfIlw7eseI/AAAAAAAAQUY/bOgKOJsORwMeiflO1G_LgmqeWmgWxfnmACEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_2Overlook.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">L to R: View from the castle, Cannons</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Braubach and to reinforce the customs facilities. Since boats
from northern Europe and from the Mediterranean used the Rhine to transport
goods, it was common for customhouses to dot the river and for the towns to
require tolls. Because folks didn’t particularly want to pay tolls or to have
their goods pawed through at customhouses, forces from the castles upheld the
law, making these folks pay fees and fines. Marksburg Castle was sold in 1283
to Count Eberhard of Katzenelnbogen; for the next two hundred years it was used
by the family, who rebuilt and expanded it. In 1429 the Count of Hesse expanded
the castle to house artillery and added the round towers. When Napoleon came to
power, he gave the castle to the Duke of Nassau who used it for a prison and as
a home for disabled soldiers. The <a href="http://www.bargaintraveleurope.com/Germany_European_Castles_Institute_Philippsburg_Castle.htm">German
Castle Association</a> purchased the castle in 1900, making it the headquarters
for this group in 1931.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although the <a href="https://www.marksburg.de/en/history-of-marksburg-castle.html">Marksburg
Castle</a> is in use and has been restored to some <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HiC9Mw2iHUs/XXfIl_ZnMAI/AAAAAAAAQUY/HB0Ki9dSDBcYONnNhkzxOMOpCLaoRFRjACEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_3Entry.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="681" height="207" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HiC9Mw2iHUs/XXfIl_ZnMAI/AAAAAAAAQUY/HB0Ki9dSDBcYONnNhkzxOMOpCLaoRFRjACEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_3Entry.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Left: Castle entry<br />Center T to B: Smithy, Kitchen<br />Right: Wine casks and steins</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
extent, they haven’t done
much with the path that leads inside. If you wanted to invade on horseback,
you’d have a really hard time – as did those of us headed to the interior. Once
past the entry, the floors smoothed out allowing us to follow our guide
throughout the parts of the structure that are open. Within the walls were a
blacksmith’s forge and a kitchen; they looked a lot alike with their metal
implements and their open hearths. Associated with the castle are several acres
of vineyards, the produce from which were stored in large casks kept within the
castle; the giant tasting steins make it evident that the castle inhabitants
enjoyed their wine. Near the kitchen was the dining room with another small
room that opened into this space – evidently if you needed to relieve yourself
during dinner and you wanted to continue to be part of the conversation at the
table, all you had to do was step into the toilet leaving the door open. The
mind boggles.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pSoV0F-E9oA/XXfImYPo02I/AAAAAAAAQUg/R_I8kZFxcTQEQSW-iMYNpiilXvuKNW4kACEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_4Toilet.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="677" height="208" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pSoV0F-E9oA/XXfImYPo02I/AAAAAAAAQUg/R_I8kZFxcTQEQSW-iMYNpiilXvuKNW4kACEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_4Toilet.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">L to R: Dining room, Toilet</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were other interesting rooms in the house,
in particular the bedroom. The room, itself, wasn’t unusual, but the bed was.
During the <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wm8mRT1E4G0/XXfImrhtWpI/AAAAAAAAQUc/dSIBSZVR37MPBss9TnHunlzLqRtPmb4wwCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_5SitUpBedBaby.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="446" height="193" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wm8mRT1E4G0/XXfImrhtWpI/AAAAAAAAQUc/dSIBSZVR37MPBss9TnHunlzLqRtPmb4wwCEwYBhgL/s200/BasalAmst5-2019_5SitUpBedBaby.bmp" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sit-up bed and trundle bed</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
time the castle was in operation, people believed that sleeping flat
on your back could be fatal. The beds were short with the head area propped up
so that your legs were fairly straight but you were semi-sitting, definitely
with your head higher than your feet. On the woman’s side, there was a trundle
bed that held a baby. From what I could tell, the room was hot in the summer
and cold in the winter – not my idea of a comfortable place to sleep.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The creepiest place in the castle was the
armory. Although I do like to <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HCTK7mnnRVw/XXfIm3rgucI/AAAAAAAAQUg/0uQNzeGSyEIapu0kEZDvQpT4wPlNXIgAQCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_7Armour.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="346" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HCTK7mnnRVw/XXfIm3rgucI/AAAAAAAAQUg/0uQNzeGSyEIapu0kEZDvQpT4wPlNXIgAQCEwYBhgL/s320/BasalAmst5-2019_7Armour.bmp" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Armory</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
look at a well decorated piece of mayhem, along
with the artist drapery of military ware, this room was filled with mannequins
in historic suits of armor. While these
represented the change in armament through the years, all I could think about
was how they all looked poised to move. And if they had, I’m sure I’m not the
only one on the tour who would have been startled. After this room I was happy
to be out in the sunshine and to see the castle gardens as well as the views
from the top of the walls.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tnux3iv2a8w/XXfIm9eNFYI/AAAAAAAAQUk/qPdeooLykSonCuWsDK0pkEhTomsSqGXrQCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_8Garden.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="608" height="152" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tnux3iv2a8w/XXfIm9eNFYI/AAAAAAAAQUk/qPdeooLykSonCuWsDK0pkEhTomsSqGXrQCEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_8Garden.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">L to R: Garden bird, Anemone </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">©2019 NearNormal Design and Production Studio -
All rights including copyright of photographs and designs, as well as intellectual
rights are reserved. </span></div>
NearNormal Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16189285591699474751noreply@blogger.com0Braubach, Germany50.2772844 7.643686200000047450.1960829 7.4823247000000475 50.3584859 7.8050477000000473tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285513581279310157.post-7703650097131360232019-09-13T12:30:00.000-05:002019-09-13T12:30:04.187-05:00The More than Middling Middle Rhine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-saSv_pQLB-0/XXcQ31q5yUI/AAAAAAAAQTc/ZNYC8IQ9-HoO42D7daOZ-PkEhgA6eG_FgCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_1Loreley.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="524" height="290" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-saSv_pQLB-0/XXcQ31q5yUI/AAAAAAAAQTc/ZNYC8IQ9-HoO42D7daOZ-PkEhgA6eG_FgCEwYBhgL/s320/BasalAmst5-2019_1Loreley.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Loreley</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was our second trip down this stretch of
river and this time we were prepared for what we were going to see. In short
there are an oodle of castles along this part of the river simply because it
was a great place for trade and thus a great place to conquer. Of course our
day was nippy, so the crew came around with hot chocolate that could be
fortified with a liqueur from the region. It would have been rude to turn down
their offer, so I didn’t…twice.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CRbfwa_Cq1g/XXcQ30aWaEI/AAAAAAAAQT0/i9FvG5Nqiis6J3-RakRD9a9XQNwxbDdmwCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_2MapCastles.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="379" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CRbfwa_Cq1g/XXcQ30aWaEI/AAAAAAAAQT0/i9FvG5Nqiis6J3-RakRD9a9XQNwxbDdmwCEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_2MapCastles.bmp" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Map of the Middle Rhine</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The beauty and historic value of this part of
the Rhine has been recognized by <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/7516">UNESCO</a>, making it a tourist
attraction in addition to one of the most navigable rivers that links northern
Europe with the Mediterranean. In their analysis of the area for UNESCO
recognition they stated that, ‘The 65km-stretch (40 miles) of the Middle Rhine
Valley, with its castles, historic towns and vineyards, graphically illustrates
the long history of human involvement with a dramatic and varied natural
landscape. It is intimately associated with history and legend and for
centuries has exercised a powerful influence on writers, artists and composers.’</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PCPZUoJ63po/XXcQ37qra5I/AAAAAAAAQTo/QG8bAjUE1RIV3J6GuyeRjPYCl-3szAq_ACEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_3Castles1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="660" height="369" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PCPZUoJ63po/XXcQ37qra5I/AAAAAAAAQTo/QG8bAjUE1RIV3J6GuyeRjPYCl-3szAq_ACEwYBhgL/s640/BasalAmst5-2019_3Castles1.bmp" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Ehrenfels Castle, Rheinstein Castle, Sooneck Castle<br />Bottom L to R: Unknown, Stahleck Castle, Schonburg Castle</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Middle Rhine Valley sits in Rhenish Slate
Mountains the between Bingen Gate, and Oberwesel. This transport artery brought
prosperity to the area allowing establishment of 60 small towns, with their extensively
terraced vineyards up the steep sides of the mountains. The ruins of 40 hill
top castles that once defended its trade still look down on the countryside. These
fortresses, built over the course of 1,000 years were abandoned sometime before
the 17</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> century, were restored, to some extent, in the 19</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
century simply because they caught the imagination of the </span><a href="https://www.theartstory.org/movement/romanticism/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Romantic Movement</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
in the 18</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> century. With the change in geology, this wide river
narrows at the </span><a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/statue-of-loreley" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Loreley</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,
with the river no more than 130m (427 feet) wide but plunging to 20m (66 feet) in
the deepest section. It widens out, again at the Lahnstein Gate into the
Neuwied Valley.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eceMAwhNT3w/XXcQ4R9E4-I/AAAAAAAAQTw/vkmfiLF3I0w3TDnjN37t7wv-q_spDisMgCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_4Castles2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="664" height="324" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eceMAwhNT3w/XXcQ4R9E4-I/AAAAAAAAQTw/vkmfiLF3I0w3TDnjN37t7wv-q_spDisMgCEwYBhgL/s640/BasalAmst5-2019_4Castles2.bmp" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Pfalz Castle, Katz Castle, Sterrenberg & Liebenstein Castles<br />Bottom L to R: Maus Castle, Marksburg Castle, Stolzenfels Castle</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is more information about this lovely
stretch of river at </span><a href="https://nearnormal-travel.blogspot.com/2015/07/along-rhine.html#more" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Along
the Rhine</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, an earlier posting on the Near-Normal Traveler blog site. Many
of these castles have been restored. Some are now hotels, one is a hostel, several
are open to tourists, one is actually a toll booth, and one is a school. There
are a few for which I couldn’t find names; I’d love to have those names if
anyone can find them.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thV9gGqARYI/XXcQ4rPjVlI/AAAAAAAAQT0/0NPkDQNu93IHc7-5ZUIuWmgQX-3OoLXYACEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_5Ehrenbreitstein.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="461" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thV9gGqARYI/XXcQ4rPjVlI/AAAAAAAAQT0/0NPkDQNu93IHc7-5ZUIuWmgQX-3OoLXYACEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_5Ehrenbreitstein.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Ehrenbreitstein Castle</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">©2019 NearNormal Design and Production Studio -
All rights including copyright of photographs and designs, as well as
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NearNormal Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16189285591699474751noreply@blogger.com055422 Bacharach, Germany50.0604184 7.768113599999992449.9788514 7.6067520999999925 50.1419854 7.9294750999999923tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285513581279310157.post-69617021170249604032019-09-06T12:30:00.000-05:002019-09-06T12:30:07.338-05:00Rocking around Rudesheim am Rhein, Germany<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uvBhcr8KRvg/XVtZaqu9hrI/AAAAAAAAPvo/tLUvCcPH5TojGUtGpXJ6auJNN3qGJiaVQCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_1EagleTower.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="346" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uvBhcr8KRvg/XVtZaqu9hrI/AAAAAAAAPvo/tLUvCcPH5TojGUtGpXJ6auJNN3qGJiaVQCEwYBhgL/s320/BasalAmst5-2019_1EagleTower.bmp" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Eagle Tower, a fortification</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A bit further down the river from Heidelberg was
our next stop. This is the gateway to the prettiest stretch of the Rhine River
and the center of the winemaking area; the streets of the town are literally lined
with taverns! There are also oodles of half-timbered houses along cobblestone
streets. We opted to wander on our own rather than taking an organized tour.
The weather was a bit warmer making strolling along window shopping a pleasant
way to spend the afternoon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just like the rest of the area, the Celts
settled here first, followed by the Romans, Alamanni, and Franks. <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Rudesheim">Rudesheim</a> began as a ‘clump
village’ <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2w5mJqS6fpQ/XVtZanpVy4I/AAAAAAAAPv4/X3sJlBHMHIk-vvuxlRAAj0LfGfHGM0o2ACEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_2Castle.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="368" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2w5mJqS6fpQ/XVtZanpVy4I/AAAAAAAAPv4/X3sJlBHMHIk-vvuxlRAAj0LfGfHGM0o2ACEwYBhgL/s320/BasalAmst5-2019_2Castle.bmp" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Half-timbered castle</span></td></tr>
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sometime before 1074 with an economy based on winegrowing, shipping
and timber rafting. By 1867 it had grown enough to become the district seat in
the newly founded Rheingaukreis, a status it held until 1977 when the districts
were reformed. Tourism began to replace shipping as a part of the economy as
early as 1883 when a patriotic monument, the <a href="https://www.spottinghistory.com/view/3731/niederwalddenkmal/">Niederwalddenkmal</a>,
attracted attention. Now people come to walk to streets in search of charming
little shops or to discover an out of the way place for a taste of local brew.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9JM3JHddmLE/XVtZajQDHMI/AAAAAAAAPv8/mO7BfLTvp_YEiMR23f4BqP8mYkqPZD00QCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_3Pubs.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="572" height="339" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9JM3JHddmLE/XVtZajQDHMI/AAAAAAAAPv8/mO7BfLTvp_YEiMR23f4BqP8mYkqPZD00QCEwYBhgL/s640/BasalAmst5-2019_3Pubs.bmp" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">L to R: Keg in an Asian language, Pub street</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">©2019 NearNormal Design and Production Studio -
All rights including copyright of photographs and designs, as well as
intellectual rights are reserved.</span></div>
NearNormal Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16189285591699474751noreply@blogger.com065385 Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany49.982144299999987 7.930112399999984549.818936799999989 7.6073888999999841 50.145351799999986 8.2528358999999849tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285513581279310157.post-73345971176180505212019-08-30T12:30:00.000-05:002019-08-30T12:30:00.160-05:00Hiding out in Heidelberg, Germany<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For some reason Heidelberg always makes me think
of Hummel <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXTCAf_YZ_4/XVtHmxHXybI/AAAAAAAAPvY/hliII7cAODUSZZRg-0cQP5oIyJVLbr5FgCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_01Forest.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="519" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXTCAf_YZ_4/XVtHmxHXybI/AAAAAAAAPvY/hliII7cAODUSZZRg-0cQP5oIyJVLbr5FgCEwYBhgL/s320/BasalAmst5-2019_01Forest.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Forested area near Heidelberg</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
figurines. But rather than ceramics, this is the seat of Germany’s
oldest university and the cradle of the German Romantic movement. Which leads
me to another misconception: I never think of romanticism in connection with
Germany. However, the city has been a center for the arts throughout the
centuries causing UNESCO Creative Cities Network to designate it a ‘City of
Literature’. What I do correctly associate with Heidelberg, and particularly
its university, is scientific research and especially the Max Planck Institutes
of Biology and Medicine, Chemistry, Physics and Technology, and Human Science.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">‘<a href="http://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/human-fossils/species/homo-heidelbergensis">Heidelberg
Man</a>’ made this part of Germany his home some 600,000 to 200,000 years ago,
at least according to the scientific tests conducted on his jawbone. But of
course there wasn’t much evidence of life in the area until the Celts began
building a fortress and a place of worship sometime in the 5<sup>th</sup> century
BC on the ‘Mountain of Saints’ or Heiligenberg. The <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UILnf3u7Zrc/XVtHm16WQ8I/AAAAAAAAPvU/9MioJv0cxMsiN3ocURpNnZ6Aocm0sYpsQCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_02OldArch.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="459" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UILnf3u7Zrc/XVtHm16WQ8I/AAAAAAAAPvU/9MioJv0cxMsiN3ocURpNnZ6Aocm0sYpsQCEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_02OldArch.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Old arch</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.unrv.com/military/legion.php">24<sup>th</sup> Roman cohort</a>
wandered in some time in 40 AD and hung around until the German tribes ousted
them about 200 years later. Although <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Valentinian-I">Valentinian I</a>
built a permanent camp on the banks of the Neckar River, along with a wooden
bridge, modern Heidelberg didn’t become a town until sometime in the 5<sup>th</sup>
century AD. And this wasn’t really <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Heidelberg">Heidelberg</a> but a village
named Bergheim, or ‘Mountain Home’, until 769 AD. Bergheim still exists in the
center of the modern Heidelberg. Organized religion in the form of Christianity
showed up, leading to the construction of the <a href="https://www.revolvy.com/page/Monastery-of-St.-Michael-%28Heidelberg%29">St
Michael Monastery</a> in 863 AD followed much later, in the mid-1100s by the Neuburg
Monastery in the Neckar valley, along with the <a href="https://catholicsaints.info/schonau-abbey/">Schönau Abbey</a>. The town’s
founding date is considered to be same as the date the Abby was constructed;
the first reference to Heidelberg is in a document dated 1196, which was found
in the Schönau Abbey.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Castles were constructed with Dukes and Counts
ruling the area for two hundred years. The old city of Heidelberg still holds
its medieval allure <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ORxtxQO7gws/XVtHm1yUlcI/AAAAAAAAPvg/Jt8FPHt0aC4K7rIRuWlQCwqY3d8_kbnMACEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_03Castle.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="692" height="262" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ORxtxQO7gws/XVtHm1yUlcI/AAAAAAAAPvg/Jt8FPHt0aC4K7rIRuWlQCwqY3d8_kbnMACEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_03Castle.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Heidelberg Castle, Sun dial, Huge keg<br />Bottom L to R: Portico with spiked gate, Statue of<br />Frederick III, Gargoyle rain spout</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
with the castle overlooking the river and the Old Bridge.
On the day we visited it was windy and cold but the sun was shining. I think I’m
still looking for the Disney version of castles, because the one we saw looked
more like a grand hotel – or perhaps hotels look like castles. In any case, the
most interesting things in the castle were the giant kegs of wine. These were
larger than any I’d seen previously. In 1386, <a href="https://www.revolvy.com/page/Rupert-I%2C-Elector-Palatine">Rupert I,
Elector Palatine</a>, founded <a href="https://www.heidelberg.edu/about/history-mission">Heidelberg University</a>;
it’s the oldest seat of higher education in Germany. The university played a
leading role in calming the conflict between <a href="https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/9-things-know-lutheranism/">Lutheranism</a>
and <a href="https://www.christianity.com/church/denominations/what-is-calvinism.html">Calvinism</a>
during the fourteen and fifteen hundreds. Almost 100 years later, Heidelberg
gave rise to what is now the oldest public library in Germany. And it was in
the city if not at the library that <a href="https://www.history.com/topics/reformation/martin-luther-and-the-95-theses">Martin
Luther’s 95 Theses</a> were defended by the author. The University of
Heidelberg was also the site of the composition of a new ‘<a href="https://www.crcna.org/welcome/beliefs/confessions/heidelberg-catechism">Catechism,
or Christian Instruction, according to the Usages of the Churches and Schools
of the Electoral Palatinate</a>’ commissioned by Elector Frederick III. This
was Frederick’s bid to calm the conflict between believers in his highly
Lutheran territory that was within the primarily Catholic Holy Roman Empire.
The peace held for a while, but in 1621 the <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2016/01/17/what-happened-in-the-thirty-years-war">Thirty
Years’ War</a>, basically a holy war, began. By 1634 the French army laid siege
to Heidelberg, taking the castle and driving off Catholic forces. But the war
didn’t really end; the French and Germans, in conflict because of their
religious beliefs (Protestant versus Catholic) nearly destroyed the area. By
the 1700s, thousands of Protestant German Palatines fled the area, and with the
help of England’s <a href="https://www.historyextra.com/period/stuart/queen-anne-facts-life-favourites-duchess-marlborough-union-england-scotland/">Queen
Anne</a>, emigrated to New York, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. In the 18<sup>th</sup>
century, Heidelberg was rebuilt in the <a href="http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/history-of-art/baroque-architecture.htm">Baroque
style</a> on the old medieval layout. By 1803, it was ruled by <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Charles-Frederick">Charles
Frederick, Grand Duke of Baden</a> who re-founded the University, naming it Ruperto-Carola
and attracting notable scholars back to the institution. This ushered in a time
of conservation and renovation that saved historical collections and preserved
the palace ruins.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The 19<sup>th</sup> century began with a sunny
outlook in that Heidelberg University attracted distinguished physicians <a href="https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/citation/1978/05000/vincenz_czerny_and_the_beginnings_of_breast.3.aspx">Vincenz
Czerny</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2117688/">Wilhelm
Heinrich Erb</a>, and <a href="https://peoplepill.com/people/ludolf-von-krehl/">Ludolf
von Krehl</a>; and humanists <a href="https://www.encyclopedia.com/environment/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/rohde-erwin">Erwin
Rohde</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Weber">Alfred Weber</a>
and <a href="https://prabook.com/web/friedrich.gundolf/2451435">Friedrich
Gundolf</a>. Unfortunately, this golden period didn’t last; in 1933 the Nazis
wormed their way into power and Heidelberg was a <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XxkuVEA_-1s/XVtHnTQWPEI/AAAAAAAAPvg/qeeHNqbjMp8WuPXP_9pcmgkRg_Im7H5FQCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_04University.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="331" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XxkuVEA_-1s/XVtHnTQWPEI/AAAAAAAAPvg/qeeHNqbjMp8WuPXP_9pcmgkRg_Im7H5FQCEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_04University.bmp" width="353" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">University of Heidelberg</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
stronghold of the <a href="https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/platform-of-the-national-socialist-german-workers-rsquo-party">National
Socialist German Workers' Party</a>. The non-Aryan professors at the University
were ejected within one month of Hitler's rise to power. Within six years,
one-third of the university's teaching staff had been forced out for racial and
political reasons with many of their names added to lists for deportation. What
followed over the next two decades were the darkest days for Heidelberg and for
the world. Although they had been targeted before, Jews became the focus of the
Nazi atrocities; synagogues were burned on the night of November 9, 1938. The
next day, 150 Jews were rounded up and deported to <a href="https://www.kz-gedenkstaette-dachau.de/History_1933-1945.html">Dachau
concentration camp</a>. On October 22, 1940 6000 local Jews were sent to <a href="https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/gurs">Gurs
concentration camp</a> where 1000 died of hunger and disease. On March 30, 1945
the U.S. 63<sup>rd</sup> Infantry, 7<sup>th</sup> Army rolled into a nearly
abandoned city; the civilian population surrendered. Because Heidelberg was
neither an industrial center nor a transport hub, it was not bombed during
World War II. This meant that with the infrastructure still intact, it could be
used as a garrison base. Anti-Nazi professors Alfred Weber, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Karl-Jaspers">Karl Jaspers</a>, and
surgeon <a href="https://www.dkfz.de/en/gastrointestinale-tumoren/bauer-foundation.html#section1">Karl
Heinrich Bauer</a> got the University reopened in short order. I would have
liked to have had a tour of the University itself – another reason to return to
the area!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37KzytCDBpA/XVtHnut-siI/AAAAAAAAPvc/zBK6cuH38oUU_JI9h1NmQCSttwHcz0bKACEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_05ThreeScenes.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="654" height="161" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37KzytCDBpA/XVtHnut-siI/AAAAAAAAPvc/zBK6cuH38oUU_JI9h1NmQCSttwHcz0bKACEwYBhgL/s640/BasalAmst5-2019_05ThreeScenes.bmp" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">L to R: Heidelberg from the Castle, Old Bridge, Commemoration to the Humanistic Savant </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">©2019 NearNormal Design and Production Studio -
All rights including copyright of photographs and designs, as well as
intellectual rights are reserved.</span></div>
NearNormal Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16189285591699474751noreply@blogger.com0Heidelberg, Germany49.3987524 8.67243350000001149.2334369 8.34971000000001 49.5640679 8.9951570000000114tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285513581279310157.post-71276135419075906592019-08-23T12:30:00.000-05:002019-08-23T12:30:11.769-05:00Sleeting in Strasbourg, France<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Strasbourg is a lovely city blended from both
German and French <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bT6mcw1hszo/XVU7YYglV5I/AAAAAAAAPsQ/M6u0BLfmz1YXRVjR4J9_Brl9lPSMob4vwCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_01Docking.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="461" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bT6mcw1hszo/XVU7YYglV5I/AAAAAAAAPsQ/M6u0BLfmz1YXRVjR4J9_Brl9lPSMob4vwCEwYBhgL/s320/BasalAmst5-2019_01Docking.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Dockside in Strasbourg</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
cultures, and I was anxious to walk through its old section
with Dave since he hadn’t seen any of it. Even better, we were going to have a
tour then time to wander, shop, grab a bite to eat, and finally make our way
back to the ship. It’s a lovely place with pretty houses, nice gardens, and
picturesque canals. The last time I’d been here it had been sunny, warm, and
entirely delightful; this time, not so much.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The town that is now <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Strasbourg">Strasbourg</a> celebrated
its 2,000 anniversary in 1988, making it one of the oldest organized
settlements in Europe. Although it was mentioned in records as the Roman camp
of <a href="https://www.livius.org/articles/place/argentoratum-strasbourg/">Argentoratum</a>
12 BC, <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hN4BuWbW8ks/XVU7YYf-S4I/AAAAAAAAPsM/mWmKKj0JkcMeblL6-Df8dTA-OO_SOJG-ACEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_02WisteriaArch.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="346" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hN4BuWbW8ks/XVU7YYf-S4I/AAAAAAAAPsM/mWmKKj0JkcMeblL6-Df8dTA-OO_SOJG-ACEwYBhgL/s320/BasalAmst5-2019_02WisteriaArch.bmp" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Historic house with wisteria arch</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
because it sits on the Upper Rhine Plain between the Rhine and the Ill
Rivers, this fertile area had been inhabited since the <a href="https://www.dictionary.com/browse/middle-paleolithic">Middle Paleolithic
Era</a>. Like <a href="https://nearnormal-travel.blogspot.com/2019/08/having-basil-in-basel-switzerland.html">Basel</a>,
it was governed by Bishops from the mid-4<sup>th</sup> century until the mid-13<sup>th</sup>
century. In 1262 the Battle of Hausbergen saw the citizens rebel against the
Bishop’s rule and, with their victory, Strasbourg became a free, Imperial City.
And like Colmar, it bounced back and forth between German and French occupation
until after World War II, to the irritation of the local citizenry. When <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Louis-XIV-king-of-France">Louis XIV</a>
conquered Alsace in 1681, Strasbourg became French. The outcome of the 1871 <a href="https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/modern-europe/wars-and-battles/franco-prussian-war">Franco-Prussian
War</a> gave it to Germany, which retained the city until the end of <a href="https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-i">World War I</a>; in 1918 it
was given back to France. However, Germany snatched it back in 1940, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/event/World-War-II">World War II</a>, but was
made to return it to France in 1944.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During all this upheaval other important things
were occurring in the city <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B7flXfqHoI8/XVU7YXzrvvI/AAAAAAAAPsc/VmItrxHLqBA1TeAwy3z6542Duc1l1N19ACEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_03Square.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="519" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B7flXfqHoI8/XVU7YXzrvvI/AAAAAAAAPsc/VmItrxHLqBA1TeAwy3z6542Duc1l1N19ACEwYBhgL/s320/BasalAmst5-2019_03Square.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Square near the Cathedral</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
and not all of them good. From the beginning,
Strasbourg’s location on two rivers and a fertile valley made it a place to be
acquired. As early as 357, with the Battle of Argentoratum, the area was the
prize fought for by the people of the city (Alemanni) and the forces of <a href="https://www.roman-emperors.org/julian.htm">Julian</a>, who became the
Emperor of Rome. Five hundred years later in 842, brothers <a href="https://www.hyperhistory.com/online_n2/people_n2/ppersons4_n2/louisgerm.html">Louis
the German</a> and <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Charles-II-Holy-Roman-emperor">Charles
the Bald</a>, rulers of East and West Francia respectively, pledged their
loyalty through the <a href="https://www.historytoday.com/archive/oaths-strasbourg-sworn">Oaths of
Strasbourg</a> against their eldest brother, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lothar-I">Lothair</a>. Lothair was ruler
of Middle Francia, emperor of all the Carolingian Empire Frankish kingdoms, and
if that weren’t enough, a Holy Roman Emperor. What is remarkable about these
oaths is that they are written in three languages: Medieval Latin, Old
Gallo-Romance and Old High German. Although the Bishops were no longer in
control of the politics, that didn’t stop plans for construction of a grand
cathedral in Strasbourg; in 1015 construction began on the <a href="https://theculturetrip.com/europe/france/articles/a-brief-history-of-strasbourg-cathedral/">Cathédrale
Notre Dame de Strasbourg</a>. In the 14<sup>th</sup> century, while the Strasbourg
was an Imperial City, <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14465c.htm">Johannes
Tauler</a> began supporting German Mysticism by preaching in German rather than
Latin or Hebrew to make religion accessible to the laity. Although more people
had an understanding of the Christian religion, it was during this period that
the guilds decided that the Jews, by causing the Black Death, were harming the
city; this anti-sematic belief led to the <a href="https://www.haaretz.com/jewish/.premium-1349-a-valentine-s-day-massacre-1.5229805">Strasbourg
massacre</a> (1349), in which several hundred Jews were publicly burned to
death, and the rest were expelled from the city. In 1518 something very odd
occurred in the city; several hundred people contracted <a href="https://www.history.com/news/what-was-the-dancing-plague-of-1518">The
Dancing Plague</a> which caused them to dance until they died of exhaustion. Even
though Strasbourg was still considered an Imperial City in 1529 and because of
the previous Bishop’s rule, it was predominantly Catholic; <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Martin-Bucer">Martin Bucer</a>, <a href="https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/theologians/john-calvin.html">John
Calvin</a>, <a href="https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-protestant-peacemaker">Wolfgang
Capito</a>, <a href="file:///G:/BackRoomCom/Hers/BlogStuff/Matthew%20and%20Katharina%20Zell">Matthew and Katharina
Zell</a> supported a new form of Christianity: the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/event/Reformation">Protestant Reformation</a>.
Education was on the rise, and in 1538 the <a href="https://en.unistra.fr/">University
of Strasbourg</a> was established. Once people are educated, they want to know
what is going on in their community; this curiosity gave rise to the creation
of the world’s first newspaper which was printed in 1605 by <a href="http://www.historyofinformation.com/detail.php?entryid=45">Johann Carolus</a>.
In 75 years (about 1680), <a href="https://www.rep.routledge.com/articles/thematic/pietism/v-1">Pietism</a>,
preached by <a href="http://www.bu.edu/missiology/missionary-biography/r-s/spener-philipp-jakob-1635-1705/">Philipp
Spener</a>, brought yet another form of Christianity; in this philosophy dogma
isn’t as important as personal piety and devotion. A year later, Strasbourg
became part of France.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Strasbourg did well for many years as a city in
France. However, in 1789 this changed dramatically with the beginning of the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/event/Reign-of-Terror">Reign of Terror</a>.
The <a href="https://www.bl.uk/learning/timeline/item106472.html">Storming of
the Bastille</a> scared and appalled inhabitants of Strasbourg <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gSJON-zk3vo/XVU7Y-q8mtI/AAAAAAAAPsU/HH33FezFt_U2LzxV5KUWo6edRN_MMtyZgCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_04Coexist.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="548" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gSJON-zk3vo/XVU7Y-q8mtI/AAAAAAAAPsU/HH33FezFt_U2LzxV5KUWo6edRN_MMtyZgCEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_04Coexist.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top: Historic buildings near the European Parliament<br />Bottom: Motto of the European Parliment </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
when in support
of this act part of their citizenry devastated the City Hall; and in 1792,
France declared war on Prussia and Austria. <a href="https://www.windrep.org/Claude_Joseph_Rouget_de_Lisle">Claude Joseph
Rouget de Lisle</a> was so moved by this act of aggression that he wrote what
was to become the French National Anthem, <a href="https://www.windrep.org/Claude_Joseph_Rouget_de_Lisle">La Marseillaise</a>.
With France’s loss of this war, Strasbourg became German. But coming into
German hands didn’t protect the city from more devastation. During the Siege of
Strasbourg in 1870, France tried to reclaim the city from Prussia and although
they occupied the city, they were out-manned and out-gunned. The Prussian siege
resulted in loss of property and life plus a sound defeat of the French forces.
The following uneasy peace allowed <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4707300/">Oscar Minkowski
and Joseph Von Mering</a> to conduct research to determine what caused <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabetes.html">diabetes</a>; and in 1889 they
found that the pancreas was where the disease originated. After the end of
World War I, when Strasbourg was French, again, another religious sect came to
the city. <a href="https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/1952/schweitzer/biographical/">Albert
Schweitzer</a> introduced his philosophy centered on the Reverence for Life. In
short, Schweitzer thought ‘Ethics is nothing other than Reverence for Life.
Reverence for Life affords me my fundamental principle of morality, namely,
that good consists in maintaining, assisting and enhancing life, and to
destroy, to harm or to hinder life is evil.’ The humanism and freedom of
religion that graced Strasbourg came to an abrupt halt with <a href="https://www.hist-chron.com/eu/F/ville-Strasbourg/1940-1944-Nazi-period-ENGL.html">Nazi
occupation</a> and the accompanying atrocities. The occupation led to the
bombing of the city by Brittan and America, leaving the city in ruins. However,
by 1949 the city had recovered enough to become the first of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Commission_on_Civil_Status">International
Commission on Civil Status</a> and of the Council of Europe; later that
commission included the <a href="http://www.europarl.europa.eu/about-parliament/en">European Parliament</a>,
the <a href="http://archives.esf.org/home.html">European Science Foundation</a>,
and more lately <a href="https://www.eurocorps.org/about-us/history/">Eurocorps</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before the temperature plummeted and the sleet
started we got to see <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ysfyP2NIN2U/XVU7ZGYS8XI/AAAAAAAAPsY/LjDkvZpAU5A0d23hXHhmBI22I07J9u8LwCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_05Cathedral.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="544" height="338" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ysfyP2NIN2U/XVU7ZGYS8XI/AAAAAAAAPsY/LjDkvZpAU5A0d23hXHhmBI22I07J9u8LwCEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_05Cathedral.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: External view of the Cathedral, Romanesque<br />Arches<br />Bottom: Stained glass windows</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
one of the most interesting cathedrals of this trip. What
piqued our interest was the blend of French and German cultures as they played
out in the architecture and furnishings of the Cathedral of Strasbourg. The
structure was begun in 1015 and progressed in fits and starts through wars,
changes in government, and disasters producing a mishmash of styles from <a href="https://smarthistory.org/a-beginners-guide-to-romanesque-architecture/">Romanesque</a>
to <a href="https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gothic-architecture">Gothic</a>.
The west front of the edifice is adorned with thousands of carved figures
telling religious and historical stories as well as paying tribute to
individuals important in the development of the church. For a while, from 1647
to 1874, it was the tallest building in Europe, only surpassed when Hamburg’s Saint
Nikolai Church was completed. Along with the history of its construction comes
a history of social and religious change that follows the political variations in
the city. Sermons from <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06403c.htm">Johann
Geiler von Kaisersberg</a> preceded those by John Calvin with the cathedral
becoming a protestant house of worship. It was here, in 1539, that the first
Christmas tree was used to celebrate Christmas. Just more than 100 years later,
the cathedral had passed back into the Catholic faith with a mass celebrated
before the prince-bishop <a href="https://artsandculture.google.com/entity/m03ftvb?categoryid=historical-figure">Franz
Egon von Fürstenberg</a>; this called for a redesign of the interior,
emphasizing Catholic liturgy. In the 1940s, Hitler wanted to secularize the
structure, making it into a monument to the Unknown German Soldier. It was
during this time that the stained glass windows were removed, stored in 74
cases, and hidden in a salt mine; they were returned by the <a href="https://www.monumentsmenfoundation.org/the-heroes">Monuments, Fine Arts
and Archives</a> section of the United States military after the war. By 1988
the windows were back in place and <a href="https://www.biography.com/religious-figure/john-paul-ii">Pope John Paul
II</a> celebrated mass to mark the 2,000<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the city.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another function of the cathedral was to house
the official clock. This <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q7C4ShSMGlg/XVU7ZvkchQI/AAAAAAAAPsg/edI-kSm1IrcLLGA4bVo0-ENkNdAPMo9RACEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_06Clock.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="608" height="313" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q7C4ShSMGlg/XVU7ZvkchQI/AAAAAAAAPsg/edI-kSm1IrcLLGA4bVo0-ENkNdAPMo9RACEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_06Clock.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Clock and windows, Death<br />Bottom L to R: 'Cock's Crow', Time's Chariot</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
astronomical clock, restored to a working condition,
dates from the mid-1800s. At its onset it had a mechanism that could compute
Easter following the Gregorian rule (‘the Sunday that follows the fourteenth
day of the moon that falls on March 21 or immediately after’). There are all
sorts of carvings that go with the striking of the hour and the parts of an
hour; all of these are designed to remind viewers of the brevity of life and
the wages of sin. Our guide gave us a short lecture about the clock, but there
was a lot more to learn about each decoration as well as the education and
skill needed to build the mechanism.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NKM1MiqVYWM/XVU7ZckcZXI/AAAAAAAAPsY/Qwwide6DLgox4sdgnpwTFzor3SlhRwS7gCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_07FlatBread.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="277" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NKM1MiqVYWM/XVU7ZckcZXI/AAAAAAAAPsY/Qwwide6DLgox4sdgnpwTFzor3SlhRwS7gCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_07FlatBread.bmp" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Helper and Chef with flat-bread</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We really wanted to spend more time exploring
Strasbourg, but worsening weather sent us back to the ship for a warmer, dried
place to spend the afternoon and to see what the chef was preparing – today it
was a variety of flat bread.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4EwtuLxSwE/XVU7ZoDH6dI/AAAAAAAAPsc/XKaqfrI_wJw5dBaIBKWwHRKcY6lSra4zgCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_08Strasbourg.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="519" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4EwtuLxSwE/XVU7ZoDH6dI/AAAAAAAAPsc/XKaqfrI_wJw5dBaIBKWwHRKcY6lSra4zgCEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_08Strasbourg.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Houses along a canal</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">©2019 NearNormal Design and Production Studio -
All rights including copyright of photographs and designs, as well as
intellectual rights are reserved.</span></div>
NearNormal Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16189285591699474751noreply@blogger.com0Strasbourg, France48.5734053 7.752111300000024148.4052903 7.4293878000000237 48.7415203 8.0748348000000245tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285513581279310157.post-63247132311788472282019-08-16T12:30:00.000-05:002019-08-16T12:30:09.387-05:00Floating along in Colmar, France<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Colmar is a medieval village with so many canals that it’s
been <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gqSvBOnU8z4/XUodrQ7g0YI/AAAAAAAAPis/lxxlHHTxqv4K812SpW6CgAGtcstqkl74ACEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_1Canals.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="620" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gqSvBOnU8z4/XUodrQ7g0YI/AAAAAAAAPis/lxxlHHTxqv4K812SpW6CgAGtcstqkl74ACEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_1Canals.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Canals in 'Little Venice'</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
nicknamed ‘Little Venice’. It’s filled with half-timbered houses, diminutive
winding lanes, and cute little shops. We spent several hours wandering the
streets after getting a really good tour of the town. We wondered why the
Statue of Liberty welcomed us to town until we found that its designer,
Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, lived here. It’s a pretty town and I’d have been
happy spending substantially more time exploring.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.tourisme-colmar.com/en/visit/presentation/history">Colmar</a>,
founded in the 9th century, was the location where the Carolingian Emperor, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Charles-III-Holy-Roman-emperor">Charles
the Fat</a>, held meeting of the Carolingian <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-POWbOZ23PL8/XUodrRNiB3I/AAAAAAAAPjA/PYOG9bXjeBg7SwGxKhglc8RbsacbmM7twCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_2OldFarmHouse.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="676" height="170" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-POWbOZ23PL8/XUodrRNiB3I/AAAAAAAAPjA/PYOG9bXjeBg7SwGxKhglc8RbsacbmM7twCEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_2OldFarmHouse.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L to R: Farm house from the 10th Century<br />Half-timbered houses</td></tr>
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dynasty in 884. Charles III (his
real name) was the Holy Roman Emperor from 881 to 888, a member of the
Carolingian dynasty, the youngest son of <a href="https://www.encyclopedia.com/reference/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/louis-german">Louis
the German</a> and Hemma, and a great-grandson of <a href="https://www.history.com/topics/middle-ages/charlemagne">Charlemagne</a>.
He was the last Carolingian emperor of legitimate birth and the last to rule
over all the realms of the <a href="http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?historyid=ab74">Franks</a>.
By 1266 Colmar had become a free city under <a href="https://www.cs.mcgill.ca/~rwest/wikispeedia/wpcd/wp/f/Frederick_II%252C_Holy_Roman_Emperor.htm">Emperor
Frederick II</a>, and its economy was continuing to grow. Because of his innate
humanity, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Josel-of-Rosheim">Josel
of Rosheim</a> asked the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Reichskammergericht">Reichskammergericht</a>
court to repeal the market ban on Jewish merchants in 1548; this was also a
method of supporting the Colmar economy, making it a better place to live for
everyone. A short 30 years later, Colmar was no longer Roman Catholic, but had
adopted the <a href="https://www.history.com/topics/reformation/reformation">Protestant
Reformation</a>. People in the area became more educated, making it a fertile
place to establish a public library, which the Schoeman family did in 1634. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">France conquered Colmar under <a href="https://www.biography.com/news/louis-xiv-biography-facts">King Louis XIV</a>
in 1673 and officially <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dv6i26_Zvnk/XUodrsCpb4I/AAAAAAAAPjM/hbAAzj0Y1Uk66cS_9ed5GnD5dQQ_APjGQCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_3Statues.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="683" height="280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dv6i26_Zvnk/XUodrsCpb4I/AAAAAAAAPjM/hbAAzj0Y1Uk66cS_9ed5GnD5dQQ_APjGQCEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_3Statues.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">L to R: Bartholdi house, Les Grands Soutiens <br />du Monde, Liberty Enlightening the World</span></td></tr>
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took over the town through the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/event/Treaties-of-Nijmegen">1679 Treaties of
Nijmegen</a>. This was the beginning of many changes of nationality for the
city. People would go to bed as French citizens but wake up as Germans. Being
appropriated by warring countries went on through World War II, a span of more
than 200 years. One of the citizens of Colmar who dealt with this was <a href="https://www.wonders-of-the-world.net/Statue-of-Liberty/Auguste-Bartholdi.php">Frédéric
Auguste Bartholdi</a> who was born in 1834, a French citizen. He is best known
for designing <a href="https://www.nps.gov/stli/learn/news/liberty-enlightening-the-world-wide-web.htm">Liberty
Enlightening the World</a>, small versions of which had met us as we arrived in
Colmar; the larger version greets visitors and immigrants as they arrive in <a href="https://nearnormal-travel.blogspot.com/2016/11/back-in-big-apple.html">New
York City</a>. In the States she’s better known as the <a href="https://nearnormal-travel.blogspot.com/2019/01/moseying-through-manhattan.html#more">Statue
of Liberty</a>. Bartholdi was only two years-old when his father died and his
mother took him to live in <a href="https://nearnormal-travel.blogspot.com/2015/07/pausing-in-paris.html">Paris</a>;
however, since she still owned property in Colmar, they returned there often.
In fact, Colmar was where Bartholdi learned to draw, taking lessons from Martin
Rossbach. Once an adult, Bartholdi became a leader in the National Guard,
defending Colmar from Germany during the <a href="https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Franco-Prussian_War">Franco-Prussian
War of 1870</a>. With the rest of Alsace, Colmar was annexed by German Empire,
transforming French folks into Germans. This upset Bartholdi so he turned his
art to constructing monuments that celebrated French heroism; this also paved
the way for the idea of a statue as a gift from France to honor the centennial
of American independence. With his works celebrated not only in Colmar but all
over the world, the Colmar house in which Bartholdi was transformed into a
museum in 1922. In its courtyard is one of my favorite statues, Les Grands Soutiens
du Monde (The Great Supporters of the World) is an allegorical group representing
Justice, Labor, and Homeland holding up the world. Just before the creation of
the museum Colmar was given back to France (after World War I) by the <a href="https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/treaty-of-versailles">1919
Treaty of Versailles</a>; it was annexed by <a href="https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/third-reich-an-overview">Nazi
Germany</a> in 1940; and then returned to French as a result of the <a href="https://standwheretheyfought.jimdo.com/alsace-2011-2012-sites-of-the-alsace-campaign-in-1944-1945-then-and-now/">battle
of the ‘Colmar Pocket’</a> in 1945.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The metal store signs throughout the town are intriguing. As
it turns out, many have more than one meaning. My favorite is for a butcher
shop. It <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ViHYPiPNm2E/XUodr9Yc3zI/AAAAAAAAPjI/phu2vvAsHnkHcCe8jSGEx8xoQGpVrZfdACEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_4Signs.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="600" height="313" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ViHYPiPNm2E/XUodr9Yc3zI/AAAAAAAAPjI/phu2vvAsHnkHcCe8jSGEx8xoQGpVrZfdACEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_4Signs.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Priest and Pig, Star of David<br />Bottom: L to R: Colorful signs, Storks</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
shows a girl chasing geese and a priest reading to a pig. According to
our guide, the geese and the pig represent the Germans during World Wars I and
II. The girl is shooing the birds out of town and the priest is trying in vain
to educate the pig. As with the signs in Basel, what appears to be a Star of
David referenced the vintners’ guild; however, during World War II it took on
the meaning of a place that was friendly to Jews. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Besides the signs, I really enjoyed seeing the <a href="https://folkrealmstudies.weebly.com/folkrealm-tidings/the-legend-of-the-storks-of-alsace">storks
nesting</a>. I’d seen them before in Alsace; they are just as revered here. A
breeding program has helped restore the numbers of birds; there is even a nest
platform on the church in Colmar.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-csfSsXR5dbA/XUodsdHQqEI/AAAAAAAAPjM/AK0nR-qJey4vOK6cZNx2cRddLIsBDsiyQCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_5Puppeteer.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="302" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-csfSsXR5dbA/XUodsdHQqEI/AAAAAAAAPjM/AK0nR-qJey4vOK6cZNx2cRddLIsBDsiyQCEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_5Puppeteer.bmp" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Street Puppeteer</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">©2019 NearNormal Design and Production Studio - All rights
including copyright of photographs and designs, as well as intellectual rights
are reserved.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /></div>
NearNormal Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16189285591699474751noreply@blogger.com068000 Colmar, France48.0793589 7.358512000000018847.909728400000006 7.0357885000000184 48.2489894 7.6812355000000192tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285513581279310157.post-46792126136044298832019-08-09T12:30:00.000-05:002019-08-09T12:30:15.964-05:00Breisach, Germany Is Cuckoo <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We jumped on the Viking Longboat, Lofn, in Basel
and set sail down the <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a2sdBq5zfPw/XUd0Hp7ER-I/AAAAAAAAPgc/Zsr78H53UMI5StzKunDgXmE2Zgcu7IqygCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_1StStephensCathedral.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="461" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a2sdBq5zfPw/XUd0Hp7ER-I/AAAAAAAAPgc/Zsr78H53UMI5StzKunDgXmE2Zgcu7IqygCEwYBhgL/s320/BasalAmst5-2019_1StStephensCathedral.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Saint Stephan's Cathedral, Breisach</span></td></tr>
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Rhine River. As expected, the water was smooth and the
scenery was lovely. And also, as has been with our cruises for the last few
years, the weather went from wonderful to stinkin’ inside of 20 minutes. Since
we couldn’t change the weather, we chose to have a great time, anyway. This
year, for a change, I remembered to pack a warm scarf and some gloves; it was
one of my better ideas. Our first stop was Breisach, Germany for some Black
Forest cake and a look at how they build cuckoo clocks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/germany/breisach">Breisach</a> sits on a
basaltic rock outcrop on the Rhine plain. It’s in one of the warmest parts of
Germany that makes it great for growing wine. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ExRkbqhfu_4/XUd0HxtdihI/AAAAAAAAPgk/TbQyDTVsBssgLAtAYMvTcVGqmyOwOW-fgCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_2BlackForest.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="519" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ExRkbqhfu_4/XUd0HxtdihI/AAAAAAAAPgk/TbQyDTVsBssgLAtAYMvTcVGqmyOwOW-fgCEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_2BlackForest.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Black Forest</span></td></tr>
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Breisach means breakwater in Celtic;
the first part of the name, Breis means ‘to break’ in French, so draw your own
conclusions about how the languages originated. The hill on which the town sits
was, when the river was in flood, in the middle of the Rhine; but through man’s
intervention it now sits on the bank. Although the Romans kept a supplementary
castle there, the hill had once been the seat of a Celtic prince. Due to its
strategic position, Breisach was popular with all of the groups passing through
the area, so a settlement was well established by the time Staufer actually
founded the city. Several religious groups claimed the location, but by the
early 13<sup>th</sup> century there was a cathedral and by the 16th century
Breisach was a bastion of the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Holy-Roman-Empire">Holy Roman Empire</a>.
However, in 1638 <a href="https://www.encyclopedia.com/reference/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/bernhard-saxe-weimar">Bernhard
of Saxe-Weimar</a> captured, subsequently giving it to France. The area
acquisition was batted about from France, back to the Holy Roman Empire, to
Spain, to the Holy Roman Empire (again!), to Austria, and finally to Baden,
Germany in 1805. All around this town is what we really came to see: the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Black-Forest-mountain-region-Germany">Black
Forest</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Originally the forest was called Abnoba Mons by
the Celts and Silva <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sPsJh-mW3es/XUd0H0yo_2I/AAAAAAAAPg0/fIJXCxblJqwmETW29wHqGs7p8BF7E2DBACEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_3BlackForestCake.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="687" height="158" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sPsJh-mW3es/XUd0H0yo_2I/AAAAAAAAPg0/fIJXCxblJqwmETW29wHqGs7p8BF7E2DBACEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_3BlackForestCake.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Black Forest Cake, Outside and Inside</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Marciana by the early Germans. It was used as a place to
live, and as somewhere to hide from whomever was warring. At one time the deciduous
and fir trees were so thick that it was literally black once you moved into the
forest. Farther up the mountains, the deciduous trees gave way to thick stands
of spruce. Then along came humans bent on using wood for all sorts of things
and the forest was devastated, then replanted with spruce. This of course leads
to all sorts of environmental issues, not the least of which is disease; if all
you have is spruce and disease kills spruce trees, there is nothing to recover.
In the 1990s three hurricanes, Vivian, Wiebke, and Lothar raked the area,
downing thousands of spruce trees. The upside of this is that in the areas left
to come back on their own, a healthy mixed forest is beginning to grow. The day
we visited the area, the forest seemed primeval. It was rainy, cold, and there
was a fog hanging over the mountains. What we wondered was how this mountain
range inspired a dessert. And it actually didn’t. The dessert, the <a href="https://natashaskitchen.com/black-forest-cake-recipe/">Black Forest Cake</a>,
is named for a specialty liquor made from tart cherries that grow here:
Schwarzwälder Kirsch(wasser). We watched a chef prepare one of these
confections and had a sample. While it was good, it’s not on my top ten
desserts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other item the Black Forest is famous for is
cuckoo clocks. The first Black Forest clocks were created between 1740 and
1750, but for years <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ulo7Kem3QyI/XUd0IGt4A4I/AAAAAAAAPg8/XKul1PL805INSR-azYHE1ALi8-cYShVtwCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_4CuckooClocks.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="715" height="263" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ulo7Kem3QyI/XUd0IGt4A4I/AAAAAAAAPg8/XKul1PL805INSR-azYHE1ALi8-cYShVtwCEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_4CuckooClocks.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Clock varieties, Farm scene, Traditional <br />carved clock<br />Bottom L to R: Large clock, Clock dancers, Motor-<br />cycle scene</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
they could not be attributed to any one person since there
were several home-industries in the area making these wooden-geared
apparatuses. There are, however, two stories of how the clocks came into being.
The first story comes from <a href="http://www.cuckooclockdoctor.com/history.html">Father Franz Steyrer</a>,
in his 1796 ‘History of the Art of Clockmaking in the Black Forest’ (Geschichte
der Schwarzwälder Uhrmacherkunst). Two clock peddlers met a Bohemian who sold
cuckoo clocks; they were so enamored of the clocks that they bought one, took
it home and copied it. Once they showed it to other clockmakers in the area, it
was copied again, and again, starting the cuckoo clock making industry.
However, researchers have found that there was no Bohemian clock-making industry
during this period. The second story originates with Johannes Wildi in his 1780
publication, Exemplary (Deutsches Uhrenmuseum, Inv. 2008-024). Another priest, Markus
Fidelis Jäck, reports that in 1730 the cuckoo clock was invented by Franz Anton
Ketterer. Using the idea of a sound produced by a bellows, he crafted a moving
bird that would call Cuckoo on the hour. And although this story is more
popular, Ketterer wasn’t born until 1734 so it is as unlikely as the first
story. Researchers persist, and in 1995, one person found that the earliest
cuckoo clocks have been verified to come from what is now the Czech Republic,
making the first story more likely. In any case, these clocks have persisted,
becoming more elaborate and complicated throughout the years. Some have animals
and people that move, while others are carved in Neoclassical, Gothic,
Renaissance, Baroque, or Art Nouveau styles. Some have elaborate sound schemes
for announcing the quarter and half hours; but they all have a bird that pops
out each hour tootling its distinctive, ‘Cuckoo’!</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mk75hEOvDLU/XUd0IWm43gI/AAAAAAAAPhA/gc-kcNTCUcgR76CsGrXJSi3YEyTN1e7wQCEwYBhgL/s1600/BasalAmst5-2019_5GlassBlower.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="487" data-original-width="417" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mk75hEOvDLU/XUd0IWm43gI/AAAAAAAAPhA/gc-kcNTCUcgR76CsGrXJSi3YEyTN1e7wQCEwYBhgL/s400/BasalAmst5-2019_5GlassBlower.bmp" width="342" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Glass blower at work</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">©2019 NearNormal Design and Production Studio -
All rights including copyright of photographs and designs, as well as
intellectual rights are reserved.</span></div>
NearNormal Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16189285591699474751noreply@blogger.com0Breisach, Germany48.0348382 7.583606700000018547.8649142 7.2608832000000181 48.204762200000005 7.9063302000000188tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285513581279310157.post-40337442964858687222019-08-02T12:30:00.000-05:002019-08-02T12:30:05.257-05:00Having Basil in Basel, Switzerland<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For several weeks I’ve been writing about the
history of small towns in <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zbu7i5WH-Yg/XUEL4aJeYhI/AAAAAAAAPeM/vN9gtesJp-gkdt9yuGZSbzP8mh3g0P6RACEwYBhgL/s1600/Basel5-19_01BoyFishFountain.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="346" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zbu7i5WH-Yg/XUEL4aJeYhI/AAAAAAAAPeM/vN9gtesJp-gkdt9yuGZSbzP8mh3g0P6RACEwYBhgL/s320/Basel5-19_01BoyFishFountain.bmp" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Boy and Fish Fountain</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Texas. The next few blogs concern the much older
cities we visited on our trip from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Basel is in northwestern Switzerland on the Rhine River. We arrived a couple of
days early to allow for jet lag and do some sightseeing on our own. Our first
surprise was that the EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg is actually in
France, and if you go out the wrong door, you end up with taxis that only go
to France. However, the cabbies are used to confused tourists and kindly helped
us get to the Swiss transportation. Basel, essentially, is located at the nexus
of Switzerland, France and Germany with suburbs in each country. It’s not
surprising that although the official language is the Swiss variety of standard
German, many people speak French and English as a matter of course.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even though <a href="https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/destinations/basel/">Basel</a> has
about 180,000 inhabitants, it seems very quiet. I commented on this to the cab
driver who replied, ‘Of course it’s quite, <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fX9rIiSc2Y/XUEL4fQo2qI/AAAAAAAAPeg/pc0bUAOC6jYFeMiq4jB1nLj6ofyiDbbEgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Basel5-19_02Fountains.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="632" height="211" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fX9rIiSc2Y/XUEL4fQo2qI/AAAAAAAAPeg/pc0bUAOC6jYFeMiq4jB1nLj6ofyiDbbEgCEwYBhgL/s320/Basel5-19_02Fountains.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">L to R: Priest fountain, Basilisk fountain</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
we’re Swiss!’ And while it’s seems
sedate, the city is known for international level museums, such as the <a href="https://kunstmuseumbasel.ch/">Kunstmuseum</a> with an art collection that
became accessible to the public in 1661, along with its centuries-long
commitment to humanism that made <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Switzerland">Switzerland</a> a haven for
such free thinkers as <a href="https://www.biography.com/scholar/erasmus">Erasmus
of Rotterdam</a>, the <a href="https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Holbein-family/274910">Holbein
family</a>, <a href="https://www.iep.utm.edu/nietzsch/">Friedrich Nietzsche</a>,
<a href="https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/literature/1946/hesse/biographical/">Hermann
Hesse</a>, and <a href="https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/jaspers/">Karl
Jaspers</a>. As a commercial hub and an important cultural center since the <a href="https://www.history.com/topics/renaissance/renaissance">Renaissance</a>,
it’s of no surprise that the <a href="https://www.unibas.ch/en.html">University
of Basel</a> was founded in 1460. Basel has also been a center for the chemical
and pharmaceutical industries that settled here in the 1900s. With this
economic diversity it follows that Switzerland is an expensive place to visit;
I’d go back to Basel just for the baked goods, but I might choose the summer
rather than the spring just in case it’s warmer and drier. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If we jump on the ‘<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nW-mmFJgdmc">wayback machine</a>’ set for
the area around the current <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lfwesEmOZNI/XUEL4dfJ5WI/AAAAAAAAPeQ/fBy3mShyLgAo0xkiuDuAFtJxbOjMnnGUwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Basel5-19_03BaselMunster.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="532" height="278" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lfwesEmOZNI/XUEL4dfJ5WI/AAAAAAAAPeQ/fBy3mShyLgAo0xkiuDuAFtJxbOjMnnGUwCEwYBhgL/s320/Basel5-19_03BaselMunster.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Exterior and interior of the Basel Münster</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Basel, we’d see that this expanse was settled (at
least as far as the ruins tell scientists) in the <a href="https://www.history.com/topics/pre-history/iron-age">Iron Age</a>. Years
later the Romans arrived making Basel a part of an administrative center and a
fortified camp. Their hold over the area continued until the 4<sup>th</sup>
Century when Germanic confederations began to try to cross the <a href="https://www.mygermancity.com/rhine">Rhine River</a>. The <a href="https://www.ancient.eu/alemanni/">Alemanni</a> finally conquered the
Romans and settled what is currently Alsace; Basel has been an Alemannic
settlement ever since. <a href="https://www.ancient.eu/Franks/">Frankish</a>
rule began in the 6<sup>th</sup> Century and continued until Basel was
destroyed by a <a href="https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Magyars">Magyar</a>
invasion in 917. From the establishment of the <a href="https://wikivisually.com/wiki/Moutier-Grandval_Abbey">Moutier-Grandval
Abbey</a>, the end of the 10<sup>th</sup> Century and the beginning of the 11<sup>th</sup>
Century, Basel was the seat of a <a href="https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/prince-bishop">Prince-Bishopric</a>
and ruled by prince-bishops. This religious/governmental structure pushed Basel
firmly into the Holy Roman Empire in 1032. The historic cathedral in the city, <a href="https://www.baslermuenster.ch/zeitgeschichte">Basel Münster</a>, took
almost 500 years to build (1019 to 1500).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Bishops, who ruled from Basel Münster, had a great hand
in the economic development of the area. Guilds began in the 13<sup>th</sup>
century with<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FlLkd-NUZTA/XUEL4zV2-eI/AAAAAAAAPeQ/ozronGxbbcAr5bOru-HwJkMWiK2MdaadwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Basel5-19_04SkullSculpture.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="395" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FlLkd-NUZTA/XUEL4zV2-eI/AAAAAAAAPeQ/ozronGxbbcAr5bOru-HwJkMWiK2MdaadwCEwYBhgL/s320/Basel5-19_04SkullSculpture.bmp" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bronze skull mask</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
the furriers in about 1226. And by the end of the century there
were 15 guilds increasing the town’s reputation, influence and income, thus
expanding Basel’s market. Development of the area continued until the mid-1300s
when the <a href="https://www.history.com/topics/middle-ages/black-death">Black
Death</a> arrived in Europe. Needing a scapegoat for this calamity, the guilds
blamed the Jews. These people were rounded up, tortured, and executed. Although
a few escaped, 600 Jews were murdered; their surviving children were forcibly
converted to Christianity. Jews were banned from Basel for 200 years, but their
money was used to rebuild the city, along with castles, after the earthquake of
1356. Throughout the 15<sup>th</sup> century Basel served as the focal point of
western Christendom including the site of the election of the <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06031b.htm">antipope Felix V</a>. The
church was also involved in educating the populous, and in 1459 Pope Pius II endowed
the University of Basel; on the heels of this, the apprentices of <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Johannes-Gutenberg">Johann Gutenberg</a>
introduced the new craft of printing to Basel. Printing rapidly became a
business and 1488 what is now the oldest publishing house still in business, <a href="https://www.revolvy.com/page/Schwabe-%28publisher%29">Schwabe</a>, was
founded by Johannes Petri.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About 20 years later with the Basel Münster completed (after
500 years) <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XaD-YZcO0ro/XUEL5Ak2wcI/AAAAAAAAPeg/DKocJDFc8wQFK2zAlxt_CleQ3dRUI4SjQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Basel5-19_05CityGateGuild.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="591" height="201" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XaD-YZcO0ro/XUEL5Ak2wcI/AAAAAAAAPeg/DKocJDFc8wQFK2zAlxt_CleQ3dRUI4SjQCEwYBhgL/s320/Basel5-19_05CityGateGuild.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">L to R:City Gate, Guild Symbols</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
and Basel a member of the Swiss Confederation, a new Town Hall (<a href="http://www.helloswitzerland.ch/-/a-quick-gimpse-of-the-rathaus">Rathaus
Basel-Stadt</a>) was built. Not long after this the Swiss Council, run by the
guilds, took control of the government thereby moving the bishops into a
religious capacity, only; this didn’t go over well with the church and the
bishop appealed this ruling, to no avail. Although the city became Protestant,
the bishop’s crook was retained as the city’s coat of arms. This mark may also
be found on some of the early books printed in Basel. These early books include
texts about religion, science, and martial arts. The first edition of Calvinist
doctrine by John Calvin, <a href="https://archive.org/details/institutiochrist1559calv/page/n4">Christianae
religionis institutio</a>, was published in 1536. The first book on human
anatomy, <a href="https://www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/historicalanatomies/vesalius_home.html">De
humani corporis fabrica</a> by Andreas Vesalius, was printed in 1543; the
illustrations in this book are amazing. There is some evidence that <a href="https://wiktenauer.com/wiki/Gr%C3%BCndtliche_Beschreibung_der_Kunst_des_Fechtens_(Joachim_Meyer)">Kunst
des Fechten</a> by Joachim Meyer was also published in Basel about this time.
It’s not unexpected that the first public art museum was established in such an
educated city. The <a href="http://sammlungonline.kunstmuseumbasel.ch/eMuseumPlus?service=direct/1/ResultListView/result.t2.artist_list.$TspTitleLink$0.link&sp=10&sp=Sartist&sp=SfilterDefinition&sp=0&sp=7&sp=1&sp=SsimpleList&sp=0&sp=Sdetail&sp=0&sp=F&sp=T&sp=0">Amerbaschsches
Kabinett</a> was the core of the Kunstmuseum, and just the beginning of museums
in Basel. The city is also the site of Switzerland's first zoological garden, <a href="https://www.zoobasel.ch/en/index.php">Zoo Basel</a>, that opened in 1874.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the chemical and pharmaceutical industries beginning in
Basel in the<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1q3Bqtv77Tg/XUEL5hHB9sI/AAAAAAAAPeQ/kjfuyFjVFLkK8i4xMLQ4J3i0-dPEhy5JgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Basel5-19_06Rhine.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="519" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1q3Bqtv77Tg/XUEL5hHB9sI/AAAAAAAAPeQ/kjfuyFjVFLkK8i4xMLQ4J3i0-dPEhy5JgCEwYBhgL/s320/Basel5-19_06Rhine.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Basel on the Rhine</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
early 20<sup>th</sup> century, it’s probably not surprising that Swiss
chemist <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Albert-Hofmann">Albert
Hofmann</a> first synthesized <a href="https://www.drugs.com/illicit/lsd.html">LSD</a>
here in 1938. Fifty years later, the <a href="http://www.basel.int/TheConvention/Overview/tabid/1271/Default.aspx">Basel
Convention</a> was called to order for the express purpose of preventing the disposal
of hazardous waste created by wealthy countries in underdeveloped nations.
Chemicals and pharmaceuticals make up over 94% of Basel City's exports; and 20%
of the exports of Switzerland. With its economic base, social environment, and
center for art and artists, Basel is ranked among the ten most livable cities
in the world for 2019.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although Switzerland is expensive, there are lots of nice
hotels and plenty <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y1EQbe7OuD4/XUEL6PkHG1I/AAAAAAAAPeg/3UOseGnOtJokvKCJs144rBxkqxVuyYpLQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Basel5-19_07CoctailCow.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="346" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y1EQbe7OuD4/XUEL6PkHG1I/AAAAAAAAPeg/3UOseGnOtJokvKCJs144rBxkqxVuyYpLQCEwYBhgL/s200/Basel5-19_07CoctailCow.bmp" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Cow painting</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
of good places to eat. In fact, we didn’t find a restaurant
to which we wouldn’t make a return visit. However, restaurants don’t open too
early, so if you’re looking for breakfast, keep an eye out for a bakery or a
place near a tourist center – they are more likely to be open before 9:00 AM.
For information about my rating system, see <a href="https://nearnormal-travel.blogspot.com/p/reading-riews.html">Reading the
Reviews</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where we stayed:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv3MR1k9wC4/Wr75dnzq0EI/AAAAAAAAHZs/dEjIVCMf_P4b5ZjLjQQJr_89wg29tKkkACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/4Carrots.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="353" height="189" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv3MR1k9wC4/Wr75dnzq0EI/AAAAAAAAHZs/dEjIVCMf_P4b5ZjLjQQJr_89wg29tKkkACPcBGAYYCw/s200/4Carrots.bmp" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Four carrots</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hotel Basel</b> (Münzgasse
12, 4001 Basel, Switzerland, +41 61 264 68 00): ‘Set in the city's Old Town and
pedestrian zone, this refined hotel is a 5-minute walk from the Rhine, a
12-minute walk from artwork at the <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wdd2Qz8A7vU/XUEL6TceEDI/AAAAAAAAPeg/Qnf2V1BfqQghetyusl9J-MmHPZKExdBtACEwYBhgL/s1600/Basel5-19_08HotelBasel.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="665" height="211" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wdd2Qz8A7vU/XUEL6TceEDI/AAAAAAAAPeg/Qnf2V1BfqQghetyusl9J-MmHPZKExdBtACEwYBhgL/s400/Basel5-19_08HotelBasel.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">L to R: Bathroom, Bedroom</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Kunstmuseum Basel and a 3-minute walk from
Marktplatz square.’ This is a lovely place with a very good staff that is multi-lingual;
they know good places to eat and where all the cruise ships dock. The room is
rather small, as are many rooms in Europe, but they are well appointed, clean,
and well serviced. We were surprised that they provided hand towels to take
home along with copies of fairy tales from the area. The bathroom was also
small, but with a see-through panel from the bedroom to the bath that could be
covered for privacy. The accoutrements were very nice and there were plenty of
them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What we ate:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv3MR1k9wC4/Wr75dnzq0EI/AAAAAAAAHZs/dEjIVCMf_P4b5ZjLjQQJr_89wg29tKkkACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/4Carrots.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="353" height="189" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv3MR1k9wC4/Wr75dnzq0EI/AAAAAAAAHZs/dEjIVCMf_P4b5ZjLjQQJr_89wg29tKkkACPcBGAYYCw/s200/4Carrots.bmp" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Bistro Kunstmuseum</b>
(St. Alban-Graben 16, 4051 Basel, Switzerland, <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Pesto spaghetti and shrimp, <br />Potato soup and green salad<br />Bottom: Crusty bread</span></td></tr>
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+41 61 271 55 22) is, as the
name suggests, in the museum. The food was so good we almost didn’t get a
picture! Unless you go to a food counter, don’t count on a speedy meal. Plates
are prepared as you order, so it may take a while to get your food. Service was
good from a friendly lady who ran through German and French before deciding we
were Americans with bad language skills in both. She laughed with us and
brought us a delightful meal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Brasserie Sieger</b> (Münzgasse
12, 4001 Basel, Switzerland, +41 61 264 68 28) is located on the bottom floor
of the Hotel Basel. We went in at <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nG6P5FfNk8I/XUEL66atyaI/AAAAAAAAPeQ/5OQq3wAGOO0ucV-VzBLNucQOweasRP5uQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Basel5-19_10HotelFood.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="534" height="273" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nG6P5FfNk8I/XUEL66atyaI/AAAAAAAAPeQ/5OQq3wAGOO0ucV-VzBLNucQOweasRP5uQCEwYBhgL/s320/Basel5-19_10HotelFood.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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about 5:30 PM and the place was beginning to
fill up with folks who had made reservations. I was thoroughly delighted to see
that they allowed dogs not only on the patio, but in the restaurant! Our meal
was lovely and the wait staff was first rate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Tapas del Mar</b> (Schnabelgasse
2, 4051 Basel, Switzerland, +41 61 261 <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DCr7z3Rl98/XUEL7PcWG2I/AAAAAAAAPec/iKabN0tTPY8PsBWd-33O_FdM_d1m5cmvQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Basel5-19_11Tapas.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="609" height="244" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DCr7z3Rl98/XUEL7PcWG2I/AAAAAAAAPec/iKabN0tTPY8PsBWd-33O_FdM_d1m5cmvQCEwYBhgL/s320/Basel5-19_11Tapas.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Menu, Water, Shrimp, Brownie<br />Bottom L to R: Mushrooms, Hot Moroccan<br />Love</span></td></tr>
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99 34): ‘Small dishes from all over
Spain combine with wines & other drinks in this cozy, laid-back hangout.’
What a great find! This little place was just up the hill from the Hotel Basel
and had a very good menu. My favorite was the Hot Moroccan Love; it’s apricots
in a warm sweet sauce with almonds and whipped cream. I wish I had some right
now!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Three and one-half carrots</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Bäckerei Mock</b> (Ackerstrasse
60, 4057 Basel, Switzerland, +41 61 322 34 00) is one of the two bakeries we
enjoyed in Basel. It gets the rating it <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">L to R: Chocolate croissant, Bakery</span></td></tr>
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does because the seating is thoroughly
uncomfortable; and yes, I know you’re supposed to grab and go but they do have
tables. The coffee, along with the chocolate croissants was very tasty. The
baked goods are huge, so getting only one a piece was a good idea. This is
counter service, but the lady behind the counter did bring us our coffee. If
you want a knife and fork you need to ask for it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Confiserie Bachmann</b>
(Centralbahnpl. 7, 4051 Basel, Switzerland, +41 <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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61 271 26 27) also has
uncomfortable seating, but oh my, the baked goods!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What we did:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The historic part of Basel is easily walkable, so we spent a
lot of time <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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doing just that. The architecture, outdoor art, and walkways are
lovely, keeping us entranced for most of our time here. There are oodles of
fountains, each one having a different history and meaning, but with little or
no information about them readily available.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Basel Card</b> (<a href="https://www.basel.com/en/BaselCard">https://www.basel.com/en/BaselCard</a>)
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room and is a great deal! It includes transportation as
well as free or reduced entrance to the museums. Read the card carefully! You
have to visit the two Kunstmuseums on the same day to get the discounted rate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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(St. Alban-Graben 16, 4051 Basel, Switzerland, +41 61 206 62 62) and the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Kunstmuseum Neubau</b> (St. Alban-Graben
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Dali, Picasso, Renoir<br />Bottom: Rodin</span></td></tr>
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20, 4052 Basel, Switzerland, +41 61 206 62 62) are the two associated museums.
They are absolutely wonderful! Their collections run the gambit from medieval to
modern art. Several of my favorite artists were represented: Rodin, Renoir, Picasso,
Dali, Van Gogh, and many others. There were also quite a few artists with whom
I was unfamiliar, but we enjoyed their works, as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">University of Basel
Botanic Gardens</b> (HH5J+JM Basel, Switzerland, <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rnh1y8OjEs8/XUEL99qqX0I/AAAAAAAAPec/DaBaEbfp9_05Pw8p9QJ2i_sHHXn0fPiEACEwYBhgL/s1600/Basel5-19_17University.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rnh1y8OjEs8/XUEL99qqX0I/AAAAAAAAPec/DaBaEbfp9_05Pw8p9QJ2i_sHHXn0fPiEACEwYBhgL/s320/Basel5-19_17University.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: University wall, Bird of Paradise<br />Greenhouses<br />Bottom L to R: Pitcher plant, Lizard,<br />Red bloom</span></td></tr>
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+41 61 207 35 19) were
absolutely lovely. I was surprised at the variety of plants represented in
theses gardens. We spent a good deal of time in the greenhouses admiring the
orchids. There were also some interesting water plants, and a cute little lizard
camouflaged in an air fern. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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(HH5Q+78 Basel, Switzerland, +41 61 267 81 81) was not at all what I expected.
At first I thought it was the city market; the<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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market does set up in front of
it, which added to my confusion. The inside was as colorful as the outside,
with several murals and lots of carvings. We spent quite a bit of time
wandering about, climbing the stairs to the second level, and staying out of
the rain. It was quite worth the visit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">L to R: Two of the numerous churches</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">©2019 NearNormal Design and Production Studio - All rights
including copyright of photographs and designs, as well as intellectual rights
are reserved.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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NearNormal Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16189285591699474751noreply@blogger.com0Basel, Switzerland47.5595986 7.588576099999954747.473868100000004 7.4272145999999548 47.6453291 7.7499375999999547tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285513581279310157.post-86654901089764575042019-07-26T12:30:00.000-05:002019-07-26T12:30:13.455-05:00Checking in in Childress County<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Railroad into Childress</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the southeast corner of the Texas Panhandle
is Childress County. This was the site of our last visit before hitting the
highway home. It, like many of the other counties, has a history of land use by
Native Americans, visitation by European explorers, and early colonization by
ranchers. In fact at one time almost the entire county was occupied by four
large ranches. Cattle from these were driven along the Palo Duro - Dodge
City trail to Dodge City, Kansas.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/apd01">Diamond Trail</a>,
<a href="https://www.millironranch.com/">Mill Iron</a>, <a href="https://www.oxhuntingranch.com/">OX</a>, and <a href="https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/aps15">Shoe Nail</a>
ranches were eventually crossed by the <a href="http://www.abandonedrails.com/Fort_Worth_and_Denver_City_Railroad">Fort
Worth and Denver City Railway</a>. Because of the coal fields located in the
area, the Texas Legislature of 1873 allowed the rail company a right-of-way
that led to the growth of communities and the <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Childress County Courthouse</span></td></tr>
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death of the open range. As with
other rail lines, this one brought in more settlers as well as new job
opportunities. <a href="http://txgenwebcounties.org/childress/history.html">Childress
County</a> was created in 1876, growing in population until it could be
organized in 1887. Both the town and county of Childress were named for <a href="http://www.texasescapes.com/TexasPersonalities/George-Campbell-Childress.htm">George
Campbell Childress</a>, one of the authors of the <a href="https://www.gilderlehrman.org/content/texas-declaration-independence-1836">Texas
Declaration of Independence</a>. There were two communities in the running for
the county seat: Henry, and [Old] Childress, located three miles apart on the
former OX Ranch. Both sites had positive aspects; Childress had existing
businesses, but Henry had the better topography for the construction of the
railroad depot. A compromise was reached when Henry was renamed Childress and
the businesses were moved to that location. The Dwight Hotel was built by the
railroad, as were the section house, and the depot. More businesses and banks
followed, as did the initiation of the county public school system and several
churches. Along with the courthouse, fire destroyed all the records, leaving
the landowners to re-record their deeds. By 1901, Childress had attracted
farmers and homesteaders, because of the railroad associated businesses. At one
time <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Walter-P-Chrysler">Walter P.
Chrysler</a>, founder of the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/01/business/01history.html">Chrysler
Motor Corporation</a>, worked as a general foreman of the railroad shops. After
a fire destroyed the first Childress County courthouse, a new stone building
was used until 1939. The present courthouse was designed by the firm of Townes
and Funk in the <a href="http://www.antiquehome.org/Architectural-Style/modern.htm">Moderne
architectural style</a>. The construction was actually a <a href="https://livingnewdeal.org/us/tx/childress/">Work Progress Administration</a>
project using local stone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The hardships caused by the Great Depression
were somewhat lessoned <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Wind turbines</span></td></tr>
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by the railroad running from <a href="http://www.texasescapes.com/TexasPanhandleTowns/ChildressTexas.htm">Childress</a>
into Pampa, the seat of Gray County. This helped until the railroad began
closing its shops in Childress; this along with modern farm machinery, and
improved highways slowed the growth of the town. Although Lanchart Industries,
Royal Park Fashions, and Fiberglass Corporation of America helped take up the
slack, Childress remained an agribusiness center. Cotton gins, and grain
elevators, along with oil wells, and wind turbines still keep the town, and county
running.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">©2019 NearNormal Design and Production Studio -
All rights including copyright of photographs and designs, as well as
intellectual rights are reserved. </span></div>
NearNormal Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16189285591699474751noreply@blogger.com0Childress, TX 79201, USA34.4264529 -100.2040018999999834.3216734 -100.36536339999998 34.5312324 -100.04264039999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285513581279310157.post-30154845046155154262019-07-19T17:09:00.000-05:002019-07-19T17:09:02.931-05:00Dinging about in Donley County<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Antique car</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Donley is another small county in the Panhandle
of Texas. As of 2019 there are only about 3,000 residents and that number is
down around 11% from previous years. While this was once cattle country, it’s
now mixed use of ranching and farming. In good years there are enough crops for
folks to make a living; but when there is drought, lots of irrigation is needed
just to break even.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hcd10">Donley County</a>’s
story begins much like that of the other counties in the area: Plains Apaches,
followed by Kiowa and Comanche, with visitor <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<a href="https://www.encyclopedia.com/science/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/pedro-vial">Pedro
Vial</a> followed by Santiago Fernández prior to the arrival of settlers which
brought the military into the area to put down the original inhabitants. In
1876 the area was separated from Bexar County, and briefly assigned to
Wegefarth County; it was subsequently designated Donley County. The county was named
for <a href="https://tarltonapps.law.utexas.edu/justices/profile/view/29">Stockton
P. Donley</a>, a criminal lawyer and elected Texas Supreme Court Judge. Also in
1876 the southwestern part of the county came under control of the JA Ranch
with owners Charles Goodnight and <a href="https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fad03">John Adair</a> in
charge. More settlers arrived, Methodists from New York led by the minister, <a href="http://www.clarendononline.com/history/125b.htm">Lewis Henry Carhart</a>.
That settlement, named Clarendon, for Carhart's wife, Clara, was organized in
1878. Two years later it was one of only three towns in the Panhandle, becoming
a small regional trade center. Surprisingly there were no cattle, but sheep and
horses. It wasn’t until 1882 that Clarendon was named the county seat and about
that time that the ranchers came along with their herds of cattle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.texasescapes.com/TexasPanhandleTowns/Clarendon-Texas.htm">Clarendon</a>
and the rest of the county underwent slow growth until the <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Funeral Home</span></td></tr>
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arrival of the Fort
Worth and Denver City Railway in 1887; unfortunately it passed five miles south
of town, causing the residents to move the town to a new site next to the
tracks. By 1887 the new town had shops, offices, and Clarendon College. Twelve
years later, <a href="https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/16663012/pleasant-andrew-buntin">Pleasant
Andrew Buntin</a>, known as ‘P.A.’, established the first funeral home in the
Texas Panhandle; originally known as Buntin Funeral Home, it has been
continuously in operation ever since. The number of ranches continued to increase
with a corresponding decrease in farms, although both enterprises were doing
fairly well. Although the Great Depression had an impact, poultry, sorghum,
orchards, and cereal grains began to dominate the agriculture production;
cotton production dropped during these years. What caused the most impact to
this area was the increase of mechanization in the 1940s plus the droughts of
the 1950s; both of these drove the small farmer out of business.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The development of state and national highways
have given Donley County an economic boost and made the area more attractive to
folks <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MEDpW4K3F7c/XRPrbO6tnoI/AAAAAAAAPKg/zOAY1iQsDYU_R0nvHMcVIxgeZS885kycgCEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_4DonleyCountyCourthouse.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="482" height="242" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MEDpW4K3F7c/XRPrbO6tnoI/AAAAAAAAPKg/zOAY1iQsDYU_R0nvHMcVIxgeZS885kycgCEwYBhgL/s400/EBR3-2019_4DonleyCountyCourthouse.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Donley County Courthouse</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
moving in that direction. <a href="https://www.clarendoncollege.edu/about">Clarendon
College</a>, which was active from 1887 to 1927, was revitalized a year later
as a publicly funded junior college. There are now recreational facilities in
the form of the Greenbelt Reservoir, attracting more residents. Although
ranching and farming remain viable, natural gas pumping has added to the county’s economy. Constructed in 1890, the <a href="http://www.ntxe-news.com/cgi-bin/artman/exec/view.cgi?archive=72&num=110046">Donley
County Courthouse</a> was built from brick and stone in the <a href="http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/portal/communities/architecture/styles/romanesque-revival.html" target="_blank">Romanesque Revivalstyle</a> from architectural designs by Bulger and Rapp; it’s the oldest
functioning courthouse in the Texas Panhandle. In 1930 a tornado damaged the
original third floor and tower; this was followed by water damage and bats in
the attic (oh how I wish it had been in a belfry). However, reconstruction was
finally completed in 2003, preserving one of the most unusual courthouses in
Texas.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0W1GB-tOFuM/XRPrbSZNUGI/AAAAAAAAPKk/fDuv0ZZhiZgEwCbWGlvmiVesBEiHhn88QCEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_5Cotton.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="509" height="231" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0W1GB-tOFuM/XRPrbSZNUGI/AAAAAAAAPKk/fDuv0ZZhiZgEwCbWGlvmiVesBEiHhn88QCEwYBhgL/s400/EBR3-2019_5Cotton.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Cotton fields</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">©2019 NearNormal Design and Production Studio -
All rights including copyright of photographs and designs, as well as
intellectual rights are reserved. </span></div>
NearNormal Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16189285591699474751noreply@blogger.com0Clarendon, TX 79226, USA34.9378289 -100.888199334.9117949 -100.9285398 34.9638629 -100.8478588tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285513581279310157.post-13932595321446158292019-07-12T12:30:00.000-05:002019-07-12T12:30:00.593-05:00Ambling along to Armstrong County<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LH0klU1bvJY/XRFOLZ3WG6I/AAAAAAAAPIU/60NnBHUvu1IMYDZJ8u4YkK36wsKal7vcgCEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_1Bank.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="450" height="192" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LH0klU1bvJY/XRFOLZ3WG6I/AAAAAAAAPIU/60NnBHUvu1IMYDZJ8u4YkK36wsKal7vcgCEwYBhgL/s320/EBR3-2019_1Bank.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Bank building</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought that Amarillo was the seat of
Armstrong County, but I was wrong. It’s actually the seat of Potter County and
is near the geographic center of the Texas Panhandle. Its name may come from
the yellow wildflowers that are plentiful in the area since amarillo is yellow
in Spanish. Someday we’ll actually visit that county courthouse and I’ll write
about Potter County – but not today. Here’s a nice picture of a bank we passed;
I think the architecture is Classical Revival but it may be Federal.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first inhabitants of Armstrong County were Paleo-Indians
around 10,000 BC with the Apachean cultures predominant until the 1700s with
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOrGeYVvhFg/XRFOLhocD7I/AAAAAAAAPII/gwebw2GxubQSqxCHZFxNcZF0MkXOAVuJwCEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_2Mesas.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="489" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOrGeYVvhFg/XRFOLhocD7I/AAAAAAAAPII/gwebw2GxubQSqxCHZFxNcZF0MkXOAVuJwCEwYBhgL/s320/EBR3-2019_2Mesas.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Mesas</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
the Comanche arrived. The area was also visited about this time by <a href="https://exploration.marinersmuseum.org/subject/francisco-coronado/">Francisco
Coronado</a> and his party as they searched in vain for <a href="https://www.ancient.eu/article/804/cibola---the-seven-cities-of-gold/">Cibola</a>;
they did find the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/photosmultimedia/grand-canyon-in-depth.htm">Grand
Canyon</a>, but no gold. Although the Spanish left, the Native Americans, including
the <a href="https://www.npr.org/2011/05/20/136438816/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-comanche-empire">Comanches</a>,
<a href="https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entry=KI017">Kiowa</a>,
and <a href="http://www.cheyennenation.com/">Cheyenne</a>, stayed around until
the late 1800s when various battles left them decimated and moved onto
reservations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hca06">Armstrong County</a>
was another of the many counties formed from Bexar County in 1876. It was organized
in 1890, with Claude as its county seat. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9fvxdJ6oyvQ/XRFOLl9LZkI/AAAAAAAAPIE/_eH2vOCvDTUzfbdE2-24s381hOvNU55BwCEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_3Claud.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="472" height="202" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9fvxdJ6oyvQ/XRFOLl9LZkI/AAAAAAAAPIE/_eH2vOCvDTUzfbdE2-24s381hOvNU55BwCEwYBhgL/s400/EBR3-2019_3Claud.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Downtown Claude</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The county was named after one of
several Texas pioneer families – although which one is still debated; Claude
was originally called Armstrong City. The entire area, not surprisingly, was
ranchland. The <a href="http://www.ranches.org/JAranch.htm">JA Ranch</a>, with
over a million acres (4,000 km²), at one time included not only Armstrong
County but five other adjoining counties. In 1876, <a href="https://wildwesthistory.org/grv-cat-goodnight.html">Charles Goodnight</a>
with his herd of 1,600 cattle came into the <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/palo-duro-canyon/park_history">Palo
Duro Canyon</a> in about 1876, firmly establishing the land as ranch-related
throughout the rest of the 19<sup>th</sup> century. However, a year later the <a href="https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/eqf03">Fort Worth and
Denver City Railway</a> split the JA Ranch, establishing a terminal as well as
the first town on former ranch property, Goodnight. Shortly thereafter, Robert
E. Montgomery platted the town of Washburn, named after railroad exec D.W.
Washburn; this led to Armstrong City being renamed to Claude in honor of railroad
engineer, Claude Ayers. In 1890, Claude won out over Washburn for the county
seat of Armstrong. The story is told that the tie-breaking vote for Claude was cast
by the former co-owner of the nearby JA Ranch, Charles Goodnight. That same
year, The Claude Argus, a weekly newspaper established by W.S. Decker merged
with the Goodnight News to become <a href="https://www.claudenews.com/">The
Claude News</a>, which is still active, today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.westtexasscoutinghistory.net/troop_claude.html">Boy Scouts of
America Troop 17</a> was organized in 1912 by Claude physician <a href="https://www.pampamuseum.org/-the-warners.html">W.A. Warner</a>. As
scoutmaster he had a hand in training many of the future civic leaders of the
town. Although both he and his wife Phebe <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o5hlPtWIX20/XRFOL5uLZUI/AAAAAAAAPIM/BwEGpBXFMqcwiUTEE1lMptX-H9JOeyfnQCEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_4ArmstrongCountyCourthouse.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="519" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o5hlPtWIX20/XRFOL5uLZUI/AAAAAAAAPIM/BwEGpBXFMqcwiUTEE1lMptX-H9JOeyfnQCEwYBhgL/s400/EBR3-2019_4ArmstrongCountyCourthouse.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Armstrong County Courthouse</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Kerrick Warner, were natives of Illinois,
they were decedents of South West Haiti (although I don’t find evidence of this
in more than one source). They, along with other civic leaders had a hand in
getting the county courthouse built in 1912. This courthouse was designed by
architect Elmer George Withers in the <a href="http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/portal/communities/architecture/styles/classical-revival.html">Classical
Revival style</a>. The courthouse is constructed of brick and stone. Like most
towns in the area, Claude rocked along just fine until The <a href="https://www.history.com/topics/great-depression/great-depression-history">Great
Depression</a> which had a severe effect on the county's economy; it took years
to recover. By 1963 Claude still looked like a small Texas town, to the point
that several scenes from <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057163/">Hud</a>
with Paul Newman were filmed there and in Goodnight. There have also been
things written about the area. <a href="https://legacy.lib.utexas.edu/taro/utcah/01972/cah-01972.html">Laura
Vernon Hamner</a> spent years researching and interviewing cowboys and ranchers
to complete her writings about the Texas Panhandle, including <a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1989-12-31-8903220248-story.html">Tom
Blasingame</a>, the oldest cowboy in the history of the American West. By the
beginning of the 20<sup>th</sup> century, cotton and wheat began replacing
ranching so much so that in 2005 only 68% of the land was given over to
ranching.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Armstrong County is actually included in the Amarillo, Metropolitan
Area but we spent the night in Amarillo. There are plenty of hotels and
restaurants there. For information about my rating system, see <a href="https://nearnormal-travel.blogspot.com/p/reading-riews.html">Reading the
Reviews</a><span class="MsoHyperlink">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where we stayed:</span></span></i></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqQKej17KSA/Wt_x-BuagtI/AAAAAAAAH5k/CvUaoxUrHggm4lLafY360fuhDZphAzfSQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/3.5Carrots.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="346" height="193" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqQKej17KSA/Wt_x-BuagtI/AAAAAAAAH5k/CvUaoxUrHggm4lLafY360fuhDZphAzfSQCPcBGAYYCw/s200/3.5Carrots.bmp" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Three and one-half carrots</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Country Inn & Suites by Radisson</b>, Amarillo
I-40 West, TX (2000 Soncy <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_UIjD9giVjw/XRFOMMnN-RI/AAAAAAAAPIQ/YhjcTpz-9K8SyEXRdHhCnN7-XR8qS9NDACEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_5_Bedroom.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="409" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_UIjD9giVjw/XRFOMMnN-RI/AAAAAAAAPIQ/YhjcTpz-9K8SyEXRdHhCnN7-XR8qS9NDACEwYBhgL/s320/EBR3-2019_5_Bedroom.bmp" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Bedroom</span></td></tr>
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Rd, Amarillo, TX 79124, 806-356-9977) is exactly what
you’d expect. It’s clean, comfortable and priced well. My favorite thing about
it was that it is pet friendly. We met several folks with dogs inside the
hotel. The people at the desk were polite and helpful. The internet was free,
as was parking. Breakfast was okay; the coffee was good.</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What we ate:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv3MR1k9wC4/Wr75dnzq0EI/AAAAAAAAHZs/dEjIVCMf_P4b5ZjLjQQJr_89wg29tKkkACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/4Carrots.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="353" height="189" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv3MR1k9wC4/Wr75dnzq0EI/AAAAAAAAHZs/dEjIVCMf_P4b5ZjLjQQJr_89wg29tKkkACPcBGAYYCw/s200/4Carrots.bmp" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Four carrots</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>J’s Barr and Grill</b> (3130 S Soncy Rd Ste 100,
Amarillo, TX 79124, 806-358-2222) is advertised as an ‘Easy going watering hole
with sports on <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pAgF8FKxTS8/XRFOMQx6leI/AAAAAAAAPIQ/PUGtdW1FghgA4AV2reu6zOuboUzYe0NKQCEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_6JsRestaurant.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="533" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pAgF8FKxTS8/XRFOMQx6leI/AAAAAAAAPIQ/PUGtdW1FghgA4AV2reu6zOuboUzYe0NKQCEwYBhgL/s320/EBR3-2019_6JsRestaurant.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Left: Menu and Dave<br />Right T to B: Chicken salad, Chicken fried<br />chicken</span></td></tr>
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TV & American bar fare offered in an informal locale’. I’d
add that the food is exceptional. Dave had chicken fried chicken with cream
gravy that had chilies in it. He said it was not only well prepared, but the
gravy was great; the mashed potatoes were ‘real’, and the broccoli was fresh. I
had a very nice chicken salad that I would definitely order, again. The chicken
was well prepared, the salad was fresh, and the dressing was tangy – I ate
every bite. Evidently they have a real chef using fresh ingredients rather than
pre-frozen wings glopped over with stupidly hot sauce of some sort. The only
real downside of this place is the noise level – it’s a sports bar! Service and
prices were very good.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--iZnGNJye_U/XRFOMn34bxI/AAAAAAAAPIU/BVGsXYJ7Esw8WiQfyY0MojDy77FSPao6gCEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_7FogCattle.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="557" height="233" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--iZnGNJye_U/XRFOMn34bxI/AAAAAAAAPIU/BVGsXYJ7Esw8WiQfyY0MojDy77FSPao6gCEwYBhgL/s400/EBR3-2019_7FogCattle.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Cattle in the fog</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">©2019 NearNormal Design and Production Studio - All rights
including copyright of photographs and designs, as well as intellectual rights
are reserved.</span> </span></div>
</div>
NearNormal Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16189285591699474751noreply@blogger.com0Claude, TX 79019, USA35.1117176 -101.3632223000000235.0857381 -101.40356280000002 35.1376971 -101.32288180000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285513581279310157.post-52611485283701485522019-07-05T12:30:00.000-05:002019-07-05T12:30:08.693-05:00Dallam County, the Last of the XIT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until this trip all I knew about the XIT Ranch
was that at one time it had <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-90gylNEb4Yc/XQ1fYlw70BI/AAAAAAAAPDg/AuyfXwV52D8VEEDbbwuLJCo8rAiPvwG0gCEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_1XITMuseum.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="519" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-90gylNEb4Yc/XQ1fYlw70BI/AAAAAAAAPDg/AuyfXwV52D8VEEDbbwuLJCo8rAiPvwG0gCEwYBhgL/s320/EBR3-2019_1XITMuseum.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">XIT Ranch Museum</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
been the largest spread in Texas. I didn’t know
that two men got all of the land by supplying the stone for and building of the
state capitol, nor did I know that there were so many little towns that
originated as business centers for the ranch. There’s lots more to learn, and
not just about ranching in Texas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://genealogytrails.com/tex/panhandle/dallam/county_history.html">Dallam
County</a> was formed in 1876 from portions of Bexar County – does this sound
familiar? This county was named for <a href="https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fda05">James Wilmer
Dallam</a>, the lawyer who <i>compiled A
Digest of the Laws of Texas; Containing a Full and Complete Compilation of the
Land Laws; Together with the Opinions of the Supreme Court</i>. Although it was
first printed in 1845 (and reprinted several times since), it is still
important because present-day Texas <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IaMG-DfuFhM/XQ1fYq5xvfI/AAAAAAAAPDw/CITIChUg86U31KukS6kmIun7eK7X9CvSACEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_2SandDunes.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="519" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IaMG-DfuFhM/XQ1fYq5xvfI/AAAAAAAAPDw/CITIChUg86U31KukS6kmIun7eK7X9CvSACEwYBhgL/s320/EBR3-2019_2SandDunes.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sand dunes near a rail line</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
jurisdiction is based on the early laws of
the Republic…but I digress. The first settlement in the area that would be
Dallam County was founded in 1870, and of course that really displeased the
folks already living there, the Comanche and Kiowa tribes. The resulting
battles of the <a href="https://texasbeyondhistory.net/redriver/battles.html">Red
River War</a> in 1874 – 1875 resulted in the tribes being driven out of the
area and confined on reservations. About 16 years later the area began to
prosper when the Fort Worth and Denver Railway lines met in a spot that was to
be named Texline, because it was on the rail line; it was the only actual town
in the county. Ten years later, when the Rock Island Railroad built a line
through the county, the new town of Dalhart was established where the Rock
Island and Fort Worth and Denver City rail lines crossed. The town name was taken
from the first letters of Dallam County and Hartley County – the town sat on
the line between the two. <a href="https://www.dalhart.org/community/about-dalhart/">Dalhart</a> was listed
as the county seat in 1903. And the area rocked along just fine until the 1930s
brought the <a href="https://www.history.com/topics/great-depression/great-depression-history">Great
Depression</a>. Dallam County was one of the hardest hit areas with Dalhart the
center of the <a href="https://livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe30s/water_02.html">Dust Bowl</a>;
this locale was adversely affected by three waves of drought and dust storms
covering 1934, 1936 and 1939 – 1940. The people were also preyed upon by such charlatans
as <a href="http://www.texasescapes.com/ClayCoppedge/Tex-Thornton-King-of-oilfield-firefighters-and-rainmaker.htm">Tex
Thornton</a>, who enticed them to spend $1 million (inflation-adjusted for current
equivalent) to make rain by firing rocket-powered explosives into the clouds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dalhart has had three county courthouses. The
first was built in Texline in <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vevwZj0LaI0/XQ1fYowxbvI/AAAAAAAAPD0/fpLD08pvlfcGm4Fk-E4lB19RnLIepoKFwCEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_3Courthouse.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="1069" height="146" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vevwZj0LaI0/XQ1fYowxbvI/AAAAAAAAPD0/fpLD08pvlfcGm4Fk-E4lB19RnLIepoKFwCEwYBhgL/s400/EBR3-2019_3Courthouse.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Dallam County Courthouse, front and side views</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
1891 and doesn’t appear to still exist. The
second was actually constructed in Dalhart in 1903, but rather quickly became obsolete.
The present Dallam County Courthouse, completed in 1923, was designed by the architectural
firm of Smith & Townes in the <a href="https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/knowledge-landing-page/classical-classical-revival-neo-classical">Classical
Revival style</a> with Ionic columns using brick and cast stone. It was named a
<a href="https://www.thc.texas.gov/preserve/projects-and-programs/recorded-texas-historic-landmarks">Texas
Historic Landmark</a> in 1991. On the courthouse grounds is a monument to <a href="https://www.texas-travelers.com/features-by-area/panhandle/james-r-fox-jr-dalhart-texas-china/">James
R. Fox, Jr.</a> (March 16, 1919—March 11, 1943). He flew supplies to China
during the <a href="http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/China-Japan-Relations/2014-02/25/content_17304855.htm">War
of Resistance against Japanese Aggression</a> for <a href="https://www.panam.org/about-pahf/paa-a-brief-history">Pan American
Airways</a> (at the time a joint Chinese and American company) using the dangerous
<a href="https://www.wearethemighty.com/the-hump-world-war-ii">Hump Route</a>.
Fox and his two Chinese copilots were killed when their Douglas C-52 cargo
plane crashed during their support efforts.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nmXe7zqspt8/XQ1fZPBGojI/AAAAAAAAPD4/CRjnb-IcfeYvmksa9amn8aWrgCRdHBUXACEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_4Fox.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="386" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nmXe7zqspt8/XQ1fZPBGojI/AAAAAAAAPD4/CRjnb-IcfeYvmksa9amn8aWrgCRdHBUXACEwYBhgL/s400/EBR3-2019_4Fox.bmp" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">James R. Fox, Jr.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">©2019 NearNormal Design and Production Studio -
All rights including copyright of photographs and designs, as well as
intellectual rights are reserved.</span></div>
NearNormal Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16189285591699474751noreply@blogger.com0Dalhart, TX 79022, USA36.0594772 -102.5132497000000236.0081282 -102.59393070000002 36.110826200000005 -102.43256870000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285513581279310157.post-28561390239586430332019-06-28T12:30:00.000-05:002019-06-28T12:30:01.646-05:00Tiny Towns in New Mexico<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Playing in New Mexico means a trip to see
beading buddies. This year <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zxHz4AkPP8I/XPqdtH34ktI/AAAAAAAAO0E/HLly3zA5BbgrT71lunk_tpNN_WJ40DRJQCEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_01DLCLTLJL.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="264" data-original-width="464" height="182" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zxHz4AkPP8I/XPqdtH34ktI/AAAAAAAAO0E/HLly3zA5BbgrT71lunk_tpNN_WJ40DRJQCEwYBhgL/s320/EBR3-2019_01DLCLTLJL.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">L to R: Dave and Cynthia,Teri and John</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
the theme was the Roaring 20s and we had a great
time partying in our retro duds. We also tried out a hotel and ate at a couple
of dandy restaurants. All in all, it was another good time with good friends.
We’re ready to do it again! In our travels, we ran into another county seat,
and a few tiny towns as well as getting some kicks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It seems like <a href="https://www.legendsofamerica.com/nm-tucumcari/">Tucumcari</a> was the focus
of lots of old western movies; someone was always going to or from the town,
having a gunfight there, <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zRPv-_6LA30/XPqdtLNvRRI/AAAAAAAAO0I/zO4epcaEP8InoNtxplmEtmls0DQYwOPQwCEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_02Tucumcari.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="585" height="283" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zRPv-_6LA30/XPqdtLNvRRI/AAAAAAAAO0I/zO4epcaEP8InoNtxplmEtmls0DQYwOPQwCEwYBhgL/s400/EBR3-2019_02Tucumcari.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Trading Post, Cheese Factory<br />Bottom L to R: Lake Mural, Important people</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
or where a stage coach hold-up or bank robbery occurs.
It was actually the place where the television program, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0052504/">Rawhide</a>, was filmed. And it is
on Route 66 so there is always something happening in the city. We didn’t know
that it is the county seat of <a href="http://www.ereferencedesk.com/resources/counties/new-mexico/quay.html">Quay
County</a>. Tucumcari was founded in 1901, before Quay County was established
in 1903. Of course, the railroad was instrumental in making these two incidents
happen. Once called Ragtown, Six Shooter Siding, and, more formally, Douglas,
Tucumcari was the site of the construction camp for the <a href="https://www.kshs.org/p/chicago-rock-island-and-pacific-railway-records/13753">Chicago,
Rock Island and Pacific Railroad</a>. It was renamed Tucumcari in 1908 after
the Tucumcari Mountain; the word essentially means ‘ambush’ in Comanche. We
were delighted to see the paintings on the sides of buildings and to discover
the <a href="https://gonm.biz/why-new-mexico/case-studies/tucumcari-mountain-cheese">Tucumcari
Mountain Cheese Factory</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A little farther down the road is <a href="http://www.harrold.org/logan_history.html">Logan</a>, another small town
founded <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gin-mF0y3ZE/XPqdtO54hYI/AAAAAAAAO0I/zsICGNtX3GwzhrsG-hN84BL7vRx7BMt6ACEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_03Logan.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="598" height="120" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gin-mF0y3ZE/XPqdtO54hYI/AAAAAAAAO0I/zsICGNtX3GwzhrsG-hN84BL7vRx7BMt6ACEwYBhgL/s400/EBR3-2019_03Logan.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">L to R: Bank, Whisky admonition</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
because of the railroad. In this instance the Chicago, Rock Island and
Pacific Railroad built a bridge over the Canadian River. One of the workers was
a well-known Texas Ranger named <a href="https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/47587521/eugene-logan">Eugene Logan</a>,
after whom the town was named. This rather scenic area is the site of <a href="http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/utelakestatepark.html">Ute Lake State
Park</a> and Ute Dam; these draw tourists, as well as the dam providing a
reservoir from which local water is drawn.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We did take a bit of a detour to experience <a href="https://www.national66.org/history-of-route-66/">U.S. Route 66</a>. This historic
byway is also called the Main Street of America, or the Mother Road <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-78L0-kFebdM/XPqdt9zYlCI/AAAAAAAAOz8/Fv8rs_Dzq_Ag1RL6d9uTQZRKwtBd88SnwCEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_04Route66.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="593" height="245" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-78L0-kFebdM/XPqdt9zYlCI/AAAAAAAAOz8/Fv8rs_Dzq_Ag1RL6d9uTQZRKwtBd88SnwCEwYBhgL/s400/EBR3-2019_04Route66.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">L: Route 66 signs at Cline Corners<br />Right T to B: Route 66 Cattle, and Curve in the Road</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
because it
was one of the original highways in the U.S. Highway System. This particular
highway US 66 was established on November 11, 1926. Originally running from
Chicago, Illinois, through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and
Arizona, ending in Santa Monica, California, it covered 2,448 miles (3,940 km).
Its fame spread as it became recognized in popular culture by both the hit song
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJe_WWSDqqY">‘(Get Your Kicks on)
Route 66’</a> and the <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053534/">Route 66
television series</a>. It even appeared in <a href="https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/literature/1962/steinbeck/biographical/">John
Steinbeck</a>'s classic American novel, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Grapes-of-Wrath">The Grapes of Wrath</a>
(1939), as a symbol of escape and loss. In actuality, it was the main route for
people migrating west during the <a href="https://livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe30s/water_02.html">Dust Bowl</a>
of the 1930s. Although it was almost continuously improved and realigned, it
was officially removed from the United States Highway System in 1985 because
the <a href="https://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h4153.html">Interstate Highway
System</a> had replaced its route. Now parts of the road passing through
through Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, and Arizona are designated a National
Scenic Byway, changing the name to ‘Historic Route 66’ and returning the designation
to some maps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This area of New Mexico has no shortage of places to stay
and places to eat. We haven’t visited all of the highly rated restaurants, but
we’re working on it! For information about my rating system, see <a href="https://nearnormal-travel.blogspot.com/p/reading-riews.html">Reading the
Reviews</a><span class="MsoHyperlink">.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where we stayed:</span></i></b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv3MR1k9wC4/Wr75dnzq0EI/AAAAAAAAHZs/dEjIVCMf_P4b5ZjLjQQJr_89wg29tKkkACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/4Carrots.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="353" height="189" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv3MR1k9wC4/Wr75dnzq0EI/AAAAAAAAHZs/dEjIVCMf_P4b5ZjLjQQJr_89wg29tKkkACPcBGAYYCw/s200/4Carrots.bmp" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Four carrots</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa</b> (1300 Tuyuna Trail, Santa Ana <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-du_DM7ONo/XPqduNTHixI/AAAAAAAAO0Q/uePakh0lJMAjACDkoKP4x1aG38nfNCjSACEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_05Tamaya.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="613" height="236" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-du_DM7ONo/XPqduNTHixI/AAAAAAAAO0Q/uePakh0lJMAjACDkoKP4x1aG38nfNCjSACEwYBhgL/s320/EBR3-2019_05Tamaya.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: View from the room, Bedroom<br />Bottom: Bath</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Pueblo, New Mexico, 87004, +1 505 867 1234) advertises that they are ‘Nestled on 550 acres
of the Native American Santa Ana Pueblo between the Sandia Mountains and the
Rio Grande River, Tamaya is steeped in over one thousand years of rich history
and culture.’ And it is a lovey place. The rooms are comfortable, well
appointed, and quite functional. The internet speeds are excellent. Prices are
high – it’s a resort – but you do get what you pay for; parking is free and
there are lots of hiking/walking trails.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VK68p8Koo3k/XPqfs7Mr03I/AAAAAAAAO0Y/lu4GHSm0sPQwbRqbHAKPdZPAvwhlnVBSwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2.5Carrost.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="245" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VK68p8Koo3k/XPqfs7Mr03I/AAAAAAAAO0Y/lu4GHSm0sPQwbRqbHAKPdZPAvwhlnVBSwCEwYBhgL/s200/2.5Carrost.bmp" width="166" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Two and one-half carrots</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Holiday Inn & Suites</b>, Albuquerque Airport (1501 Sunport Place,
Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87106, 1-505-9442255) is exactly what you’d <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6hwLGwkmAwY/XPqduesQJgI/AAAAAAAAO0E/xgoBbKuSLgEx-lt6diFJ-NNm6LE2DMangCEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_06HolidayInn.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="582" height="229" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6hwLGwkmAwY/XPqduesQJgI/AAAAAAAAO0E/xgoBbKuSLgEx-lt6diFJ-NNm6LE2DMangCEwYBhgL/s320/EBR3-2019_06HolidayInn.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Coffee center, Bath, Bedroom<br />Bottom: Expensive water</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
expect
from this brand. The room and bathroom were adequate; there was a coffee maker
and a fridge available, but the water was very expensive particularly when the
tap water is just fine. I was very disappointed in the internet service – Dave and
I could not get online at the same time. I was told that there was ‘nothing we
can do’ when I called the front desk. Parking is free; breakfast isn’t
included. We won’t be staying here, again simply because of the internet issue,
the value for price, and the attitude of folks at the front desk.</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What
we ate:</span></i></b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv3MR1k9wC4/Wr75dnzq0EI/AAAAAAAAHZs/dEjIVCMf_P4b5ZjLjQQJr_89wg29tKkkACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/4Carrots.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="353" height="189" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv3MR1k9wC4/Wr75dnzq0EI/AAAAAAAAHZs/dEjIVCMf_P4b5ZjLjQQJr_89wg29tKkkACPcBGAYYCw/s200/4Carrots.bmp" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Four carrots</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Elephant Bar</b> (2240
Louisiana Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, 505-<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fpFF1piV1Lo/XPqdu424KvI/AAAAAAAAO0A/5ogemhWWhgAItrH91uMGRKQRmZXy9XU-ACEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_07ElephantBar.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="357" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fpFF1piV1Lo/XPqdu424KvI/AAAAAAAAO0A/5ogemhWWhgAItrH91uMGRKQRmZXy9XU-ACEwYBhgL/s320/EBR3-2019_07ElephantBar.bmp" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Menu, Lettuce wrap<br />Bottom: Steak</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
900-3837) says that they are an ‘Informal
chain with a menu built on Pan-Asian, wok-fired plates & global fare’. I
was thoroughly pleased with my lettuce wraps that were made fresh and quite
tasty. Dave enjoyed his steak commenting that it was almost as good as the ones
he cooks. The service was good, the waiter friendly, and the surroundings
comfortable. We enjoyed our meal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Garduño's of Mexico</b> (2100 Louisiana Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110,
505-880-0055) is a ‘Garduño's is a Mexican and New Mexican <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U7n47FSIJyo/XPqdvKO3VgI/AAAAAAAAO0I/eX2foIIHIeILLVFS6CQF6mLkj2BEFTXgwCEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_08Garduno%2527s.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="595" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U7n47FSIJyo/XPqdvKO3VgI/AAAAAAAAO0I/eX2foIIHIeILLVFS6CQF6mLkj2BEFTXgwCEwYBhgL/s400/EBR3-2019_08Garduno%2527s.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Menu, Chips, Salsa, Fried Sopapillas<br />Middle L to R: Mahi tacos, Burrito, Enchiladas Mole<br />Bottom L to R: Sopapilla, Margarita with beer</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
cuisine restaurant
chain from the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico…. known for traditionally
prepared Mexican fare such as green chile & chimichangas.’ We had a great
time at this restaurant, although it was a bit crowded at the time we visited.
John tried one of the drinks they are famous for, a margarita with a beer
inverted in it; he pronounced it good! Teri and I decided on an appetizer, Sopapilla
Fries, that had slices of sopapillas covered in lettuce, tomato, cheese and
other tasty treats. The salsa and chips were good, as well. Our meals included
a plate of Mahi Mahi Tacos, Enchiladas Mole, and a Chicken Burrito. These were
all quite yummy with plenty to take home. The prices are very reasonable and
the service is good. We’d certainly make a return trip!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mariscos La Playa</b> (5210 San Mateo Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109,
505-884-1147) serves ‘tacos, ceviche, burritos, discadas, cocktails, <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-poNHP1PJ0B8/XPqdvUpgkfI/AAAAAAAAO0M/FqHHEkdzj7UueoNSUJ1_sCStXrUxrf7EwCEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_09LaPlaya.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="664" height="246" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-poNHP1PJ0B8/XPqdvUpgkfI/AAAAAAAAO0M/FqHHEkdzj7UueoNSUJ1_sCStXrUxrf7EwCEwYBhgL/s400/EBR3-2019_09LaPlaya.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top L to R: Chips and salsas, Shrimp and Pineapple,<br />Margarita<br />Bottom L to R: Shrimp Tacos, Shrimp with Green Sauce,<br />Menu</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
soups,
enchiladas, quesadillas, shrimp, fish, Chilean wine, beer, margaritas,
micheladas and more’. The décor of this restaurant is striking; the booths have
carved backs and are very colorful. Service and food are as lovely as the
furnishings. They focus on seafood with a Mexican flair. We were very happy
with everything we ate. However, be advised that when they say something is spicy
they are not exaggerating; your eyes will water! The menu is extensive with
little surprises hidden on each page. The calamari was well prepared, leaving
the meat tender and the breading crisp; we ate all of it before we got a picture. Our meals included Shrimp with
Pineapple, Shrimp with Green Chili Sauce, and Shrimp Tacos. All of it was deliciously
prepared and well more than we could eat. I indulged in a margarita made with
agave juice that was lovely. The only thing that would have made it better
would have been having John with the three of us. We can’t wait to make a
return visit to this restaurant!</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqQKej17KSA/Wt_x-BuagtI/AAAAAAAAH5k/CvUaoxUrHggm4lLafY360fuhDZphAzfSQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/3.5Carrots.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="346" height="193" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqQKej17KSA/Wt_x-BuagtI/AAAAAAAAH5k/CvUaoxUrHggm4lLafY360fuhDZphAzfSQCPcBGAYYCw/s200/3.5Carrots.bmp" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Three and one-half carrots</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Village Inn Restaurant</b> (2340 Yale Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, 505-243-5476)
is listed as a ‘Family-friendly chain serving home-style <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YTv3SRx2GGI/XPqdvpDvRvI/AAAAAAAAO0M/5spizAY6djorpzWe13R40OeV_jfMr9njQCEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_10VillageInn.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="504" height="255" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YTv3SRx2GGI/XPqdvpDvRvI/AAAAAAAAO0M/5spizAY6djorpzWe13R40OeV_jfMr9njQCEwYBhgL/s320/EBR3-2019_10VillageInn.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top L to R: Menu, Bacon and eggs with <br />tortilla<br />Bottom: Bacon, eggs, and waffle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
American classics such
as chicken-fried steak & pot pie’. We’d eaten a Village Inn a long time ago
and wondered if the food was still the same. We decided that this was a good
place for breakfast, on the same level as a Denney’s or an IHOP. Our meal was
well prepared, the service was excellent, and the prices were excellent. Dave
and I both had bacon and eggs. His came with a tortilla and mine came with a
half a waffle. This particular place was just what we wanted to begin a day on
the road headed home.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kXOH7pR77gc/WuudPisIWGI/AAAAAAAAH_4/Z_xF4RkXFN4YoHLcOVD2yeHdm1K92N3OwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/3Carrots.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="266" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kXOH7pR77gc/WuudPisIWGI/AAAAAAAAH_4/Z_xF4RkXFN4YoHLcOVD2yeHdm1K92N3OwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/3Carrots.bmp" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Three carrots</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Corn Maiden</b> (<span style="background: white; color: #222222;">1300 Tuyuna Trail, Bernalillo, NM 87004</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">, </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">505-867-1234</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">) </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">is <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G8xta38L2Hs/XPqdv-Qr76I/AAAAAAAAO0Q/Eh84PE21Xfk6pTqneveLC6ymWlchOKZxwCEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_11CornMaiden.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="527" height="308" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G8xta38L2Hs/XPqdv-Qr76I/AAAAAAAAO0Q/Eh84PE21Xfk6pTqneveLC6ymWlchOKZxwCEwYBhgL/s400/EBR3-2019_11CornMaiden.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Left: Menu<br />Right T to B: Bacon and eggs, Omelet</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
a</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">‘High-end
Southwestern steakhouse fare with a mountain view & in a subdued room in
the Hyatt Tamaya’. While they are renovating the other restaurant, Corn Maiden
is open for breakfast. It is exceptionally expensive although the coffee is
good and the waiters attentive. The breakfast food is average; I had bacon and
eggs and Dave had a green chili omelet. Our only other option for breakfast in
the hotel is pre-packaged food in the small store. When we visit next year we
are going to make time to go to a nearby casino to try their food.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">©2019 NearNormal Design and Production Studio -
All rights including copyright of photographs and designs, as well as
intellectual rights are reserved.</span></span></div>
NearNormal Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16189285591699474751noreply@blogger.com0Logan, NM 88426, USA35.3653289 -103.4107913000000335.3135299 -103.49147230000003 35.417127900000004 -103.33011030000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285513581279310157.post-5702389218249129782019-06-21T12:30:00.000-05:002019-06-21T12:30:27.341-05:00Parking in Parmer County<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a kid I thought calling something the
‘panhandle’ of a state was funny. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGZjqCQ3osc/XPmuZMSZZOI/AAAAAAAAOyU/i5O-_5E5H-Qi_zNLZaUQXg3r7cKBMWNFQCEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_01OldHouse.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="465" height="229" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGZjqCQ3osc/XPmuZMSZZOI/AAAAAAAAOyU/i5O-_5E5H-Qi_zNLZaUQXg3r7cKBMWNFQCEwYBhgL/s320/EBR3-2019_01OldHouse.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">One of the older houses in Farwell</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Of course, Oklahoma looked a bit like a pot
with a handle, but Florida didn’t fit that image, and neither did Texas. Adults
had odd ways of naming things, and this was one of their idiosyncrasies. Dave
and I have driven through the Texas Panhandle lots of times, but we’ve never
stopped in Parmer County and in particular Farwell. We can’t say that now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://parmercounty.org/">Parmer
County</a> is a county located on the high plains of the Llano Estacado. It was
originally the hunting grounds of the <a href="http://www.lipanapache.org/MK.html">Apaches</a>, but they were forced out
by the <a href="http://www.texasindians.com/comanche.htm">Comanches</a> and <a href="https://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-kiowa/">Kiowas</a> in the late 18<sup>th</sup>
century. In 1876 the Texas legislature established Parmer County from lands
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWzgYjeBliQ/XPmuZMw9XVI/AAAAAAAAOyY/VgIWdqm9eYAvB4OsrqlDYp8dPz3BzDIrACEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_02OldBuilding.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="423" height="236" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWzgYjeBliQ/XPmuZMw9XVI/AAAAAAAAOyY/VgIWdqm9eYAvB4OsrqlDYp8dPz3BzDIrACEwYBhgL/s320/EBR3-2019_02OldBuilding.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">An old brick building in Parmer Counter</span></td></tr>
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formerly assigned to the Bexar District. The county was named for <a href="http://texashistorypage.com/Martin_Parmer.html">Martin Parmer</a>, a <a href="https://www.history.com/tag/texas-revolution">Texas Revolutionary war</a>
veteran. No settlement occurred in the county until 1882, but once the Anglos
wanted to move in, the Native Americans were removed by the U.S. Army. Parmer
County was actually entirely within the lands granted to the Chicago syndicate
for the <a href="http://www.xitmuseum.com/history.shtml">XIT Ranch</a> in 1880.
Until 1900 the entire county was only populated by XIT cowboys. The big change
began in 1898 with the coming of the <a href="https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/eqp09">Pecos and Northern
Texas Railway Company</a> as it constructed its line from Amarillo to the Texas-New
Mexico border. The county was finally organized in 1907.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The little town of <a href="https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hjf02">Farwell</a> began as
a cow-camp for the XIT Ranch. The <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vIyQOxCrqtY/XPmuZF-oUfI/AAAAAAAAOyw/d1NaaOD8KekkzfpdbQj7uXdM23NngPYXACEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_03ParmerCountyCourthouse.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="591" height="276" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vIyQOxCrqtY/XPmuZF-oUfI/AAAAAAAAOyw/d1NaaOD8KekkzfpdbQj7uXdM23NngPYXACEwYBhgL/s400/EBR3-2019_03ParmerCountyCourthouse.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Parmer County courthouse</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
XIT Ranch came about because two brothers
named Farwell from Lake Forest, Illinois built the <a href="https://tspb.texas.gov/prop/tc/tc-history/history/index.html">Texas state
capital</a> in exchange for 3.050,000 acres of virgin ranchland. This ranch
employed 800 cowboys to build a 6,000 mile barbed wire fence to keep cattle
rustlers from stealing from the herds. The first courthouse was built in 1907
at Parmerton and then moved to Friona; but the building burned. In that same
year an election was held to determine which of the small towns would be the
county seat. Because cowboys had no fixed address, the election was highly argued
as to where they would be allowed to cast their vote. It was finally decided
that residency was based on where the men did their laundry. At the time,
Farwell had the only laundry, and thus collected the most votes. The 1916 <a href="http://www.texasescapes.com/TexasPanhandleTowns/FarwellTexas/Parmer-County-Courthouse-Farwell-Texas.htm">Parmer
County courthouse</a>, designed by Architects Risser and Townes, is a three
story building of buff-colored brick and concrete in the <a href="http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/portal/communities/architecture/styles/classical-revival.html">Classical
Revival</a> style. It sits less than 1,000 feet from the Texas-New Mexico state
line. Farwell sits at the junction of two branches of the <a href="https://www.kshs.org/kansapedia/santa-fe-railway/12194">Santa Fe Railway</a>:
one toward Amarillo and the other toward Lubbock. When the XIT began selling
land to settlers, they would arrive on the train from either north or south;
they stayed in the Farwell Hotel and road in touring cars to see the available
homestead sites. Many others arrived in covered wagons. Some settlers became
dry-land farmers with small herds of cattle; they persevered through windstorms
and drought, making the High Plains their home.</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UT3rMtVn84M/XPmuZgBZQ1I/AAAAAAAAOyw/ZAxIKeMzD8ACY4lqztwGJF0Qc0ClPWsoQCEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_04Texico.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="417" height="278" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UT3rMtVn84M/XPmuZgBZQ1I/AAAAAAAAOyw/ZAxIKeMzD8ACY4lqztwGJF0Qc0ClPWsoQCEwYBhgL/s320/EBR3-2019_04Texico.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">New Mexico state line</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The boundary between Texas and New Mexico was
supposed to be set at the 103<sup>rd</sup> meridian, however the 1859 surveyors
goofed. They marked the border between 2 ¼ and 3 ¾ miles too far west; this made
Farwell, Texline, and a section of Glenrio appear to be in Texas. The strip of
land, several hundred miles long, puts parts of the oilfields of the Permian
Basin in question as to who owns it: Texas or New Mexico. Eventually the courts
ruled that the land and towns are taxed and governed by Texas.</span><br />
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NearNormal Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16189285591699474751noreply@blogger.com0Farwell, TX 79325, USA34.383409 -103.0380016000000334.3572015 -103.07834210000003 34.4096165 -102.99766110000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8285513581279310157.post-88940549216488764212019-06-14T12:30:00.000-05:002019-06-14T12:30:00.559-05:00Shoeing Mules in Bailey County<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My grandmother talked about traveling to
Muleshoe, Texas on a wagon <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Mrjvll2HtY/XPWyPen_5FI/AAAAAAAAOsM/vxL90c_32XUHvWZvMYmkF1ywBJSJYDztwCEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_01Muleshoe.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="393" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Mrjvll2HtY/XPWyPen_5FI/AAAAAAAAOsM/vxL90c_32XUHvWZvMYmkF1ywBJSJYDztwCEwYBhgL/s200/EBR3-2019_01Muleshoe.bmp" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muleshoe City Limit</td></tr>
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when she was a child. She may have visited it,
again, when she was at West Texas Normal College in Canyon, Texas. In any case,
I was enamored with the name of this town and wondered what mule lost its shoe
there. As we headed to New Mexico, I was surprised when that tiny town popped
up on our GPS. Of course we had to make a stop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 1860 Henry Black registered his brand and seventeen
years later he purchased 40,000 acres with three houses on it, calling it <a href="https://www.westernheritageclassic.com/p/events/ranch-rodeo/qualifications-and-ranches/217">Muleshoe
Ranch</a> supposedly because he found a mule shoe in the soil. Going back a
year, <a href="https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hcb01">Bailey
County</a> was created and named after a Kentucky lawyer killed at the <a href="https://www.thealamo.org/">Alamo</a>, <a href="https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fbach">Peter James Bailey</a>.
The economy got a boost in <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PsCGcOpRz8A/XPWyPbZAb5I/AAAAAAAAOsU/XajzYejGiTI80BvA6Rfk57OTsnaeqwWJwCEwYBhgL/s1600/EBR3-2019_02BaillyCountyCourthouse.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="517" height="260" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PsCGcOpRz8A/XPWyPbZAb5I/AAAAAAAAOsU/XajzYejGiTI80BvA6Rfk57OTsnaeqwWJwCEwYBhgL/s400/EBR3-2019_02BaillyCountyCourthouse.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Bailey County Courthouse</span></td></tr>
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1906 when the Gulf, Santa Fe, and Northwestern
Railway Company, and the <a href="https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/eqp09">Pecos and Northern
Texas Railway Company</a> merged. Their purpose was to build a railway between
Lubbock and Farwell on the New Mexico border. Communities along this future
route gave hundreds of thousands of dollars to construction; and in 1913 the
Pecos and Northern Texas Railway laid rails across northern Bailey County,
allowing <a href="http://www.city-of-muleshoe.com/">Muleshoe</a>, with its name
borrowed from the Muleshoe Ranch, to come into being. Because this was thinly
settled cattle country it took until 1918 to get the county organized. Of
course Muleshoe, then a small settlement, became the county seat and the first
commissioner’s court meeting was held in the Blackwater Valley State Bank in
early 1919. In July of that year a wooden frame courthouse was built. The
little town boomed and very shortly outgrew its tiny county courthouse. In 1925
a new courthouse was built, designed by M. C. Butler in the <a href="https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/knowledge-landing-page/classical-classical-revival-neo-classical#" target="_blank">Classical Revival style</a>. With its good water resources, Muleshoe has developed an outstanding
agricultural economy. It is also home to the <a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/muleshoe/">Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge</a>,
the oldest such refuge in Texas; it was founded in 1935. And of course, the <a href="https://texasplainstrail.com/plan-your-adventure/historic-sites-and-cities/sites/muleshoe-heritage-center-complex">Muleshoe
Heritage Center</a> has the world’s largest mule shoe.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Grazing cattle</span></td></tr>
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NearNormal Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16189285591699474751noreply@blogger.com0Muleshoe, TX 79347, USA34.2264676 -102.7238262999999834.173954099999996 -102.80450729999998 34.2789811 -102.64314529999999