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Our European Adventure 2018

A 6 month trip on a shoestring Read more

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Day 42
Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 12:00 PM
☁️ 63 °F
Altitude: 62 ft
France Bordeaux 44.837789, -0.5791844°50’16” N 0°34’45” W
Monuments in Bordeaux
June 12, 2018 in France ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F
This is a monument to the French Revolutionaries. It was good to see it has been cleaned and is nice and white again. The cathedral is also being cleaned up. The tower was built separately, to reduce the instability of the cathedral. And we saw a nice historic city gate with a grand facade.Read more
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Day 42
Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 11:00 AM
🌧 61 °F
Altitude: 62 ft
France Bordeaux 44.837789, -0.5791844°50’16” N 0°34’45” W
Bordeaux
June 12, 2018 in France ⋅ 🌧 61 °F
Our host's daughter could speak some English, and she helped us figure out the Park and Ride system for the Tram into Bordeaux. (It wasn't easy!) Bordeaux is an old French city on the Garrone river, with lots of 18th to 19th century mansions, a palace, a grand theater, and cathedrals of course. Renovations are ongoing, but they have a long way to go.

This is Place du la Bourse, the most famous picture-spot in the city with its Mirror d’Eau reflecting the grand palace, and the Three Graces Fountain in front. There are nice views of the river and its bridges too.Read more
TravelerThis looks like a beautiful city! Glad you are seeing so much. SC 👍
6/20/18Reply
TravelerThanks for coming along!
6/21/18Reply
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Day 41
Monday, June 11, 2018 at 12:00 PM
☁️ 64 °F
Altitude: 102 ft
France Dunes du Pilat 44.595887, -1.21230444°35’45” N 1°12’44” W
Arrival in France: Dune du Pilat
June 11, 2018 in France ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F
Continuing North, we crossed the border into France, but we barely knew the border was there. The EU allows us to cross borders without having to show our passports. We used GPS (also known by us as the Queen, Elizabeth, or Queenie) to find Dune du Pilat, and she took us on a little road through nowhere to get to it.

Dune du Pilat is a huge sand pile 360 ft high. The winds are shifting the sand away from the beach, so it is gradually covering the forest behind it. We went up the 200+ steps and from there we climbed to the top. It was drizzling and very windy so we didn't get good pictures, but it was impressive.Read more
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Day 40
Sunday, June 10, 2018 at 2:00 PM
⛅ 70 °F
Altitude: 112 ft
Spain Plaza Guipúzcoa 43.318334, -1.98123143°19’6” N 1°58’52” W
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San Sebastian: Gourmand's Delight
June 10, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F
The old town is fun to wander around and there were lots of people there as it was Sunday. It’s a great place to try new foods. We ate pintxos (appetizers) washed down with hard cider, churros dipped in hot chocolate, and gelato. (Thanks, Roman and Jorge!) Wish we would have had longer to follow up on all the suggestions!Read more
Traveler She'd better say, "Yes!"
6/19/18Reply
Traveler Made a meal out of pintxos-Yum!
6/19/18Reply
TravelerYum
6/19/18Reply
TravelerIt was!
6/20/18Reply
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Day 40
Sunday, June 10, 2018 at 12:00 PM
⛅ 68 °F
Altitude: 112 ft
Spain Plaza Guipúzcoa 43.318334, -1.98123143°19’6” N 1°58’52” W
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San Sebastian Old Town
June 10, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F
A celebration of heritage with folk music, and other scenes.
Traveler Playing the flute and drum together-what talent!
6/19/18Reply
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Day 40
Sunday, June 10, 2018 at 11:00 AM
⛅ 68 °F
Altitude: 69 ft
Spain Mercado de la Bretxa 43.32267, -1.98344643°19’22” N 1°59’0” W
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Landmarks in San Sebastian
June 10, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F
The first picture is actually the library!
Traveler Is this a Gazebo or Conservatory? I like it.
6/19/18Reply
Traveler It's like a bandshell, used for performances in the park.
6/20/18Reply
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Day 40
Sunday, June 10, 2018 at 10:00 AM
⛅ 68 °F
Altitude: 112 ft
Spain Plaza Guipúzcoa 43.318334, -1.98123143°19’6” N 1°58’52” W
Beautiful San Sebastian
June 10, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F
San Sebastian is often called the most beautiful city in Spain. Whenever we told our Spanish friends we were going there, they would get all dreamy-eyed, and give us lots of advice on favorite places to go. There are great views: the town spreads out from the shell-shaped beach. The harbor is surrounded by hills and you can see islands on the edge of the bay, with the ocean beyond.Read more
TravelerThis looks like a place for me 😊
6/19/18Reply
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Day 39
Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 6:00 PM
🌧 64 °F
Altitude: 748 ft
Spain Zaláin 43.26964, -1.70013443°16’11” N 1°42’0” W
Lesaka, Basque Country
June 9, 2018 in Spain ⋅ 🌧 64 °F
After lunch we drove North toward the coast. The Basque Country is very mountainous, and most of the homes in the mountains looked alpine, so it felt like part of Switzerland. But the names are strange to us as the Basque people have their own language (lots of Xs and Zs on the signs). Our B&B host lives in Lesaka, a small town in the hills. It was very quaint there—with more narrow, winding streets, as Dean found out trying to go to the grocery store. He said that American sidewalks are wider than some of the streets. Of course, the the town was founded in 1402! We had fun talking with our host, using Google Translate, and she gave us lots of information about the area’s sights.Read more
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Day 39
Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 11:30 AM
⛅ 55 °F
Altitude: 2,874 ft
Spain Río Vena 42.344665, -3.6954642°20’41” N 3°41’44” W
Rooms off the Cloisters
June 9, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 55 °F
The end--time for lunch! We had a lot to talk about after this experience!
TravelerBeautiful
6/18/18Reply
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Day 39
Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 11:15 AM
⛅ 55 °F
Altitude: 2,874 ft
Spain Río Vena 42.344665, -3.6954642°20’41” N 3°41’44” W
The Cloisters
June 9, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 55 °F
And there is more!
TravelerMost of the time you seem to have these places all to yourself, are there a lot of people that just aren’t in the photos or is it quiet around these places?
6/18/18Reply
TravelerIt was still early in the season, but there are people around. I try not to show crowds my pictures. Sometimes I crop them out.
6/18/18Reply
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Day 39
Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 11:00 AM
⛅ 55 °F
Altitude: 2,874 ft
Spain Río Vena 42.344665, -3.6954642°20’41” N 3°41’44” W
Chapel of the Constables
June 9, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 55 °F
This chapel is known as a cathedral within a cathedral. It is much bigger than the others. as it is dedicated to the founders of the cathedral. It is loaded with artwork and is a highlight of the tour.Read more
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Day 39
Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 10:30 AM
⛅ 54 °F
Altitude: 2,874 ft
Spain Río Vena 42.344665, -3.6954642°20’41” N 3°41’44” W
Burgos Cathedral Chapels
June 9, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 54 °F
The many ornate chapels have carved wooden choir stalls in each (unique because they don’t appear in other cathedrals we’ve seen). The artwork took our breath away. So much color, wood and stone carvings, gold leaf, and paintings—it was overwhelming!Read more
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Day 39
Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 10:15 AM
⛅ 54 °F
Altitude: 2,943 ft
Spain Villatoro 42.392695, -3.6859242°23’34” N 3°41’9” W
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Burgos Cathedral inside
June 9, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 54 °F
This staircase is an entrance on the side of the cathedral that has a higher street. It was designed by an Italian architect to hug the wall and take up very little of the interior space. Behind the altar in the ambulatory are magnificent stone carvings from Jesus life.Read more
Traveler Saint Gregory, known for being a prolific writer, and converting England to Christianity.
6/18/18Reply
TravelerSome very talented people back then .... beautiful
6/18/18Reply
TravelerWe agree!
6/18/18Reply
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Day 39
Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 10:00 AM
⛅ 54 °F
Altitude: 2,943 ft
Spain Villatoro 42.392695, -3.6859242°23’34” N 3°41’9” W
Our Lady of Burgos Cathedral
June 9, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 54 °F
We were advised by our Spanish friends to go to Burgos to see the cathedral. We were glad we did! It was built of limestone in the 13th to 16th centuries, is huge and has lots of French Gothic detailing. The main worship area has a huge carved dome, and carved wooden choir.Read more
TravelerThis first picture is an attempt at a panorama because it was too big for a regular picture--it's a little crooked!
6/18/18Reply
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Day 38
Friday, June 8, 2018 at 4:00 PM
🌬 64 °F
Altitude: 2,641 ft
Spain Plaza Mayor 40.965868, -5.66222340°57’57” N 5°39’44” W
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Salamanca: The Golden City
June 8, 2018 in Spain ⋅ 🌬 64 °F
We walked around the Old Town area which contains the oldest University in Spain, founded in the 1100s. It’s also called the Golden City, because of the numerous sandstone buildings. The Plaza Mayor (Main Square) is huge and lots of people hang out there.Read more
Traveler Jose Ledesma Criado, A Salamanca Poet
6/15/18Reply
TravelerMy, you are seeing such beautiful architecture and meeting a wide variety of people! This trip is an amazing education for you! Thanks for sharing!
6/17/18Reply
We have enjoyed watching your vacation. Your pictures are wonderful. Frank, Avis, Mauri and Carol
6/17/18Reply
TravelerThanks for your feedback everyone. Glad you're enjoying our trip!
6/18/18Reply
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Day 38
Friday, June 8, 2018 at 2:00 PM
⛅ 59 °F
Altitude: 3,287 ft
Spain El Barco de Ávila 40.358676, -5.52806940°21’31” N 5°31’41” W
Vaughan Town 2, Barco de Avila
June 8, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F
Week 2 of Vaughan Town completed. Another wonderful group of Spaniards, volunteers, and staff got together to have a life-changing experience. We found it very heartwarming to have such a close connection with so many people in such a short period of time. There were volunteers from Australia, Canada, England, Sweden, and the US, (and Wales in the first week). The Spaniards had to decipher all those accents and ways of speaking, and it was amazing how much they improved in just 6 days!

Anglos are encouraged to do a presentation if we want to. Dean presented information on the Buffalo Roundup in Custer State Park and I led a line dance. Everyone seemed to enjoy both activities!

Note: Barco de Avila is known as a region for growing organic legumes. We ate some during the week, cooked with chorizo, and they were delicious!Read more
TravelerIt's been a pleasure meeting both of you. You make a sweet couple and both of you are awesome. Hope you keep having fun around Europe.
6/11/18Reply
I loved that dance, it was so fun...thank you for that great week . Gema Martin
6/11/18Reply
TravelerThank you both! We really enjoyed meeting you! Best wishes for a great future!
6/12/18Reply
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Day 33
Sunday, June 3, 2018 at 9:00 AM
⛅ 54 °F
Altitude: 3,737 ft
Spain Ávila 40.656127, -4.68745740°39’22” N 4°41’15” W
Avila: A Walled City
June 3, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 54 °F
We drove from Segovia to Avila, about 1 hour away, to see this old walled city for a short walk-around. The medieval walls are completely intact. We had fun seeing the precious children dressed up for their first communion. It is great to see people involved in these historic buildings as a part of family traditions, and keeping them alive. There was also some kind of civic ceremony involving a band and officials in the town square.Read more
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Day 32
Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 1:00 PM
⛅ 64 °F
Altitude: 3,353 ft
Spain Segovia 40.942903, -4.10880740°56’34” N 4°6’32” W
Segovia's Cathedral
June 2, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F
The huge Gothic cathedral, built in the 1500s, is the most photographed cathedral in Spain. We were happy to see lots of restoration work going on. The main altar is made of marble and alabaster, but seems to be outdone by all the gold in the smaller chapels. The Chapel of the Descent from the Cross, contained a very realistic carving of Jesus, that was like a moment captured in stone.Read more
TravelerThe city suit both of you
6/11/18Reply
TravelerThanks!
6/12/18Reply
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Day 32
Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 11:00 AM
☀️ 59 °F
Altitude: 3,353 ft
Spain Segovia 40.942903, -4.10880740°56’34” N 4°6’32” W
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Segovia Castle & Views Around Town
June 2, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F
There is an amazing castle, built in the 1100s, which has great views. The town has narrow winding streets, and many Romanesque buildings, restaurants and shops.
Traveler Reminds us of the Excalibur Casino in Las Vegas!
6/10/18Reply
TravelerLovely photos!
6/11/18Reply
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Day 32
Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 10:00 AM
☀️ 57 °F
Altitude: 3,353 ft
Spain Segovia 40.942903, -4.10880740°56’34” N 4°6’32” W
Stunning Segovia
June 2, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F
Segovia is a beautiful city about two hours away from Barco de Avila. The huge Roman aqueduct was built without mortar (!) in the first century AD, goes right through the center of town, and is surrounded by a plaza. The maximum height is 28 meters (92 ft). You can climb up the steps next to the aqueduct and enter the walled part of the city, or walk up through the lower town.Read more
TravelerLinda, you look nice. Charlie would be so impressed with the stone work and marvel at how they built it.
6/4/18Reply
TravelerThanks, Donna! "Hi to Charlie!"
6/5/18Reply
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Day 31
Friday, June 1, 2018 at 4:00 PM
⛅ 64 °F
Altitude: 3,353 ft
Spain El Barco de Ávila 40.356906, -5.52367540°21’25” N 5°31’25” W
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El Barco de Avila
June 1, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F
The area is beautiful: snow-capped mountains, a river, and a small town with a castle and church topped with nesting storks! With as many storks as we've seen, it's hard to believe they are protected. They are messy and people don't want them building nests on their chimneys, so places are provided for them to nest.Read more
Traveler Church of the Assumption of Our Lady
6/4/18Reply
TravelerBeautiful. The weather looks nice too. What an experience!
6/4/18Reply
TravelerActually, that was one of the nicest days here! It's been much cloudier and we are getting rain quite often-it's an usually cool and wet spring. But we love it!
6/5/18Reply
Traveler The hotel in which Vaughan Town happens!
6/5/18Reply
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Day 31
Friday, June 1, 2018 at 2:18 PM
⛅ 64 °F
Altitude: 3,350 ft
Spain El Barco de Ávila 40.3576, -5.52343440°21’27” N 5°31’24” W
Vaughan Town, El Barco de Avila
June 1, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F
We’ve spent the past 6 days volunteering for Vaughan Town, an English Immersion program for Spaniards. We’ve met such wonderful people: the participants, the staff, and the other volunteers. It’s very impressive how dedicated the Spaniards are in their efforts to improve their communication in English! We had a great time and made many new friends.

As volunteers, we spent time talking one-to-one with each person, had meals together, participated in group activities, and practiced telephone communication as well. In addition, there was an entertainment hour every evening, composed of skits, presentations, and music, in which we all participated at some point. We got to see some real Spanish dancing, and Dean was involved as part of the “Spice Girls” band. We even received certificates at the end of the program!Read more
TravelerWonderful.......I was going to do that but they told me if I did it would set the Spaniards back 50 years in their English 😂 Thank you for your volunteer work
6/2/18Reply
Your experiences are priceless. Keep having fun.
6/3/18Reply
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Day 25
Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 2:00 PM
☀️ 64 °F
Altitude: 69 ft
Portugal Núcleo Museológico da Misericórdia de Aveiro 40.640506, -8.65375440°38’26” N 8°39’14” W
Baroque and Rococco Religious Art
May 26, 2018 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F
The baroque church is stunning. The organ in the choir loft is available for anyone who wants to play it, and we heard a very talented teenager playing.

There were so many pieces of religious art in the museum, both Baroque (lots of gold leaf) and Rococco (very colorful). A lot of the pieces came from this convent.Read more
TravelerBeautiful...did you play the organ?
5/30/18Reply
TravelerChopsticks didn't seem appropriate!
5/30/18Reply
TravelerHow beautiful this is!
5/31/18Reply
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Day 25
Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 12:00 PM
⛅ 64 °F
Altitude: 69 ft
Portugal Núcleo Museológico da Misericórdia de Aveiro 40.640506, -8.65375440°38’26” N 8°39’14” W
Museum of Aveiro
May 26, 2018 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F
This is a religious art museum in a 15th century convent, the Monastery of Jesus. The convent is famous because of St. Joanna, a Portuguese princess. Because she was in the royal line she was never able to take her solemn vows. She rejected marriage three times; instead she lived out a modest life at the convent, and bequeathed her estate to it when she died in 1490. At first she was buried modestly as she requested, but when she was canonized in the 1600s, a inlaid marble tomb was made for her. We also saw the washing room and the refectory where the sisters ate in silence.Read more
TravelerEnjoyed reading her story.
5/31/18Reply
TravelerIt was very interesting. Sad that she died too early.
5/31/18Reply
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Day 25
Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 11:00 AM
⛅ 63 °F
Altitude: 69 ft
Portugal Núcleo Museológico da Misericórdia de Aveiro 40.640506, -8.65375440°38’26” N 8°39’14” W
Aveiro
May 26, 2018 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F
This town is along the coast in a lagoon formed by the Ria river. There are canals criss-crossing through the town. People can take canal tours on the large, colorful boats that used to be used for harvesting seaweed for fertilizer. There are lots of beautiful Art Nouveau buildings, mosaic sidewalks, and clean pedestrian streets. A town confection we had to try is Ovo Moles made with egg yolks and sugar, originally made in the convents.Read more
TravelerWow. All the mosaics.... mind boggling
5/28/18Reply
TravelerIsn't it fun?
5/28/18Reply
TravelerBeautiful
5/30/18Reply
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