October 20, 2018 by Chris

Beara Peninsula drive (County Cork)

Today’s drive was from Kenmare to Glengarriff across the Caha pass – unfortunately we were in the clouds and couldn’t see below! Sheep, daubed with bright colors to provide recognition for their owners, are grazing everywhere.

Along the way we encountered a man and his border collie wandering down the middle of the road. We had to stop to avoid hitting him, and it turned into a long conversation with John (who lived down the road) with Ben (his dog)! You’ve got to love the Irish!

As we entered sea level in Lauragh the skies cleared! The drive along the coast line of Kenmare Bay was very much like the Maine coastline – granite, yellow seaweed, and little fishing harbors – beautiful! Lunch comprised a seafood platter and Guinness – of course!

October 20, 2018 by Chris

Killarney National Park

Last time we were in Ireland we stayed in Killarney and loved the National Park. It seems that Killarney itself has grown and is definitely more crowded, but a charming town nonetheless. Kenmare is smaller, less crowded, and also very charming.

The road between Kenmare and Killarney takes us through the National Park through Moll’s Gap and other beautiful landscapes. Yesterday was an overcast day and the clouds hung low over the hilltops adding mystery, and the occasional ray of sunshine shone through the clouds like a spotlight in a valley. The ferns have turned rust and the grasses are a mix of gold and green.

We enjoyed a walk from Ross Castle through a lovely moss covered forest to Governor’s Rock and the site of an ancient copper mine (dating back 4000 years).

Our drive home took us on the most interesting drive so far and on the narrowest, one car-wide road through the Black Valley. It was so much fun – sheep wandering along the road, very little traffic, little pull-ins for when one had to pass an oncoming vehicle, and plenty of places to stop for photo opps!

We had dinner (with reservations) at The Mews in Kenmare – definitely recommendable!

October 18, 2018 by Chris

Ring of Kerry

What a glorious day! Breathtaking scenery with blue ocean water reflecting the clear, blue sky. The fields of emerald green with dots of white sheep grazing. The mountains a blend of mauve and rust – nature’s perfection!

We started out from Kenmare with our first little detour to Ballinskelligs to see the ruins of Skellig Michael, a ruin of a 6th century Monastery and McCarthy’s Castle – also in ruins. Our detour took us on roads very less travelled!

We stopped in Port Magee – a picturesque fishing village – for lunch at the Fisherman’s Bar where I had fabulous hake fish & chips! A big monkfish and scallop fishing area.

Otherwise – we just enjoyed the scenery and the twisting turning roads.

September 20, 2018 by Chris - 1 Comment

Seattle

We spent the morning downtown visiting Pike’s market, riding on the ferris wheel, and lunching at Post Alley Pizza.

Beautiful fresh flowers, fabulous salmon, juicy apples and tasty cider were abundant at the market.

It was the perfect day to ride on the wheel.

The pizzas prepared by Andrew were delicious. It was great to see both Ruel and Andrew and wish them every success.

June 23, 2018 by Chris

Girlfriends’ get-away to Quebec City

Irene and I have had a fabulous four days in Quebec City. The weather was perfect, the food amazing, the people delightful, a totally European ambiance without the transatlantic flight! and plenty of time to catch up.

Vieux Quebec (old town) from top to bottom and bottom to top!

Some of the food ..

Some of the art … we especially enjoyed a large exhibit of Berthe Morisot’s pairings (55) which just opened on June 21. The Musee National des Beaux-Arts du Quebec was a beautiful venue where we managed to while away six hours, including an amazing lunch at their restaurant.

We even created a piece of art ourselves!

One day was spent on a road trip to Charlevoix and the lovely little artist hamlet of Baie St. Paul on the St. Lawrence. We strolled the main street with its numerous galleries, and both of us fell in love with the paintings by Christian Bergeron with his bold colors layered with a palette depicting the beautiful scenery of the region. Some of the paintings,done in a prismatic style that he is known for, were particularly eye-catching with their straight lines.

After an amazing lunch – some of the best food I’ve had in ages – at Mouton Noir, we took a short ride down to the harbor for a blustery walk on the beach and through the forest.

The day was capped off with a stop at Chute Montmerency – falls 30 feet higher than Niagara.

April 24, 2018 by Chris

LAX stay to readjust

We’re spending two nights at the lovely H Hilton hotel at LAX. Very comfortable, convenient and great views of the runway!

Yesterday evening enjoyed a walk under the flight path and a delicious dinner in a small Greek taverna (Aliki’s) with a glass of retsina – taverna decked out in traditional blue and white and great Greek music for added atmosphere.

Today a bus ride to Venice and a walk through the downtown and to the beach. Lots of street art to enjoy and lots of activity on the beach for a Tuesday morning.

We rounded off the day with well deserved 😫 fresh tamales and margarita at el Cholo’s on Wilshire in Santa Monica.

April 18, 2018 by Chris

Kanazawa

Arriving by train at Kanazawa, one is struck by the immense size and the beautiful structure of the railway station.

Eateries are plentiful and especially heavy on sweets and bakeries. We found this little fast-food place that served bowls, but only after being there a while did I notice that I was the only female in the fully packed place (other than the staff!) Maybe not fine enough for Japanese women. Reminded me of the days when pubs had public bars and lounges – I always felt more comfortable in the public bar!!!

Huge, well-spaced, bright shopping areas with lovely merchandise are right there within the station and enjoyed by well dressed pups!

The castle

Kenrouken gardens.

Another newly wed couple having photos taken.

Old Kanazawa

Omichi market.

Mostly a huge variety of seafood.

My new best friends – a group of Junior High kids wanted to practice their English! Not quite sure about this guy’s head gear – I think it has some significance??!

April 17, 2018 by Chris

Early Morning Market in Takayama

This lovely market on the banks of the river had plenty of interesting offerings – many edible!

Deliciously juicy apples and the sealed red item is (I think) some kind of pickle. We’ve seen it often.

This sweet lady was making and selling marshmallows. Dennis tried one, but ate it before I could capture the moment!

Meanwhile, I tried this delicious custard.

Buckwheat noodles and rice cakes.

These were some kind of egg puffs that these Japanese ladies were enjoying.

And then there were craft items and flowers.

April 17, 2018 by Chris

Takayama

We took the Kagayaki Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Toyama with a switch to the Hida line from Toyama to Takayama. Beautiful mountainous scenery with snow capped peaks.

After passengers disembarked, the cleaning crew went onboard to clean and swivel the seats in opposite direction. When they got off they gave a bow (which I wasn’t quick enough to catch) and then proceeded on their way)

Takayama is a charming town nestled in the “Japanese alps” with unspoiled Edo-period streets lined with small shops, pubs and eating places. The homes are mostly built of timber (Japanese cedar) and the windows to the streets are mostly shuttered or louvered. The Miya River runs through the town; water runs in channels along all the streets and everything is immaculate.

Lunch time. Miso soup and good draft beer!

A cute “fast food” stall in Takayama

Another lovely pagoda with massive and ancient willow tree.

It was alongside the river that we saw our first abundance of cherry blossoms.

…..and then more …

Now I am satisfied!

These tots seen on a school bus late afternoon! School can be just too exhausting.

April 4, 2018 by Chris

Seoul city

The ship provided a shuttle service from the port to Incheon where we caught the metro to the city center.

We were surprised to see so many young people dressed in a national style costume and enjoying photo ops at the first stop on our itinerary – Gwanghwamun gate – but then learned that the costumes are rented at a nearby shop!

The palace was closed, but we walked the perimeter and to the rear of the enclosed grounds to see The Blue House, Korea’s equivalent to the White House. There appeared to be a high level of secret service types, so don’t know if some dignitary was expected?

We enjoyed strolling the narrow streets and alleys of Bukchon-Hanok – a village like atmosphere within the city, with quaint and small homes and businesses. The name Bukchon, which literally translates to “northern village,” came about as the neighborhood lies north of two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno. Hanok relates to the small houses.