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Amy and Pat Taylor
Amy and Pat Taylor

Amy and Pat Taylor

📍 Forenede Stater Læs mere🇺🇸Charlotte
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  • Amy and Pat TaylorThe Magellan ExpeditionRejsende

    Pick'n & Grin'n Catalan Style

    8. september, Spanien ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    Pick'n & Grin'n Catalan Style

    After enjoying the privilege of touring the Palau de la Música Catalana we enjoyed its purpose.

    Three renowned guitarists, a
    pair of dancers, and a flamenco percussionist, to deliver a tribute to Paco de Lucía fusing both flamenco and Spanish guitars.

    The show was lively and fun --- and funny. Latin style guitar being a favorite, there was little doubt we were in store for a lovely evening.

    The bonus was supposed to be the flamenco dancers, and they were great, but the real bonus was the humor. Being a mixed crowd (from many nationalities), they did a great job with non-verbal humor.

    To begin the encore all 3 guitarists and the percussionist played a song, all on 1 guitar, all at the same time. Three artists picking cords at the same time. One sat still and began to play, the others crowded around and joined in. The arrangement required that at least 1 guitarist was always playing with his hands reversed.

    The dancing portion was impressive and enjoyable. What stuck me, that has never stuck me before, was that some of the dancing was music itself.

    Below is a you tube link to the performance, since photos and video were not allowed.

    https://youtube.com/shorts/fSScPB5nCtg?si=Hj3iF…    Læs mere

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  • Amy and Pat TaylorThe Magellan ExpeditionRejsende

    Bear's 1st Car

    8. september, Spanien ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F

    Bear's 1st car was a 1967 600D Fiat that he bought for $50.00 at age 15. He drove it for 4 years and made some memories...like sliding into a ditch one winter...he and his 3 passengers (fellow football players) lifted it out of the ditch back onto the road.

    We found this similar fiat being used in a store display and we had fun listening to Bear reminiscing about those times.    Læs mere

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  • Amy and Pat TaylorThe Magellan ExpeditionRejsende

    A Garden With No Night

    8. september, Spanien ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F

    "A garden with no night" is how one artist described it.

    Palau de la Música Catalana

    I have to start this footprint with a quote from My Lovely. Amy said,

    "Of all the palaces I have been in, this is the most beautiful building."

    For my part, I am simply amazed that every fixture, every post, every backdrop is either a piece of art or a part of a piece of art.

    In an intro video on the tour, one of the performers said that she would catch herself enjoying the art as she performed.

    Regardless, everywhere you look there is art, from sculptures to mosaics to glass art. Every single thing is art.

    The central point of the building is natural light. The building was constructed of steel, but the steel was covered in art, with an emphasis on glass and light.

    The central piece is the stained glass ceiling with the inverted dome - the "Sun" (The Glow Worm).

    This palace is the only UNESCO World Heritage site that is a music hall.

    The palace, Palau de la Música Catalana, is privately owned and was built with no government funds. The cost of construction was less than $300,000 in today's money. But with that said, this building could not be built today for a billion dollars.

    The building was built with "cheap material." In this case, 'cheap' means locally sourced materials and common materials.

    The central feature of the stage's architecture is an organ, comprising 3,900 pipes. During the tour, they played a piece as we stood on stage. It began ever so softly, then slowly built to a crescendo. It was awe inspiring. Bringing involuntary gasps of joy and tears to our eyes.

    Built as part of the music hall are three apartments. One of the apartments was for the owner. He had a keyboard that was connected to the organ so that he could play.

    There is a circular balcony directly above the stage. That balcony is in the living room of the owner's apartment. He could look directly down on the stage    Læs mere

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  • Amy and Pat TaylorThe Magellan ExpeditionRejsende

    Patty Got The Balloon Bug

    7. september, Spanien ⋅ ☁️ 84 °F

    (Thoughts From Patty) Floating, soaring, and remembering to breathe!!! That is what riding a hot air balloon is like to me! Always a dream but now a reality! How peaceful the still air as you soar above the land! You see all God has created and soak it in! Afraid? Not really! There's a hush in my spirit as I realize I'm not in control! My God is and I trust Him! Thank you Pat & Amy for making this dream come true! And thank you babe for sharing this tremendous experience with me!! Who's up for a balloon ride in each country we experience??!! Count me in! I have the balloon bug! ❤️Læs mere

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  • Amy and Pat TaylorThe Magellan ExpeditionRejsende

    Floating In The Wind

    7. september, Spanien ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F

    Barcelona Day 2

    The Flight

    Today is one of my favorite things. I get to watch someone live a "moment".

    Today is is Ballooning Day. My Lovely and I will love it. There is no doubt. But this is a bucket list item for Patty - and we get to watch.

    It is not a the top of Gary's list, but making your true love happy always ranks. We get to watch that too.

    The sun still sleeps. We ride into the mountains. My Lovely comments about the Spanish guitar music on the radio. The sounds are soothing, wonderful and varied, but distinctively Spanish. We discovered later that our driver/balloon crew extraordinaire, Domi, is also a DJ!

    The city slips into the past. The silhouetted moutain range out our right window. We will fly from the mountain valley.

    Barcelona is a coastal city, surrounded by mountain ranges. After 30 minutes of driving, we have left the city. We have mountains on all sides now.

    A stop for coffee and a danish.

    Now it is time to fly. Our captain, Santiago, aka Santi, has 23 years of experience.

    Prepping and inflating, anticipation builds.

    The balloon stands tall; the basket finally upright... The time is here.

    Our first instruction, the "Landing" (some might call it the crash) Position.

    The Pyrenees Mountians. Ranges in all directions. Farm lands, small towns, a castle, horses in their corrals. So much to see. But we just breathe. Take it all in.

    Only a moment or 2 of trepidation. Mostly the surprise bursts of gas. No fear of heights. "Nervous going up, but not scared." Enjoyed every minute of it. Peaceful, quiet, still. Not floating with the wind but floating in the wind.

    "I did more than survive. I LOVED it". Patty said.

    After we all "survived our flight" captain Santi) awarded us each with a Certificado de Vuelo en Globo and we all celebrated with champagne and a biscuit. Santi noted that it was tradition because the first balloon flight was in France....good thing it wasn't In Russia...it's too early for vodka!    Læs mere

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  • Amy and Pat TaylorThe Magellan ExpeditionRejsende

    Barcelona Reality Check

    6. september, Spanien ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F

    Reality Check

    I wouldn't say that our vacation, so far, was fantasy like. And we have been moving quite a bit, so relaxing is not exactly the right word. But wonderful and well paced it has been.

    Barcelona, day 1, reality check: What was peaceful was replaced by a loud and busy city.

    Today was a travel day. Never a relaxing situation. Today will be marked by a good dinner, and a wonderful old condo. But the condo lacks a/c, thus the windows had to be open letting in fresh air ...... and a city full of noise. But such is the Spanish way of life. Tomorrow....Siesta!

    Day 2
    After the balloon flight, Domi dropped us at his favorite Tapas Restaurant (Bar Jaica) for lunch. It was delicious and the chef made sure Bear's food was gluten free. Then we meandered back thru the Gothic Quarter/ Old Town to the apartment for a Siesta. Pat and I went out to dinner at another of Domi's suggestions (La Dentellerie). Again...delicious!! We walked to the marina and sat in the park, listening to a man play guitar and sing. Dogs walking by and playing (all so so well behaved!)
    The walk back to the apartment we didn't feel quite as safe as elsewhere on our trip. There were plenty of people about, but we were very much on guard. The biggest negative though, is the trash everywhere, overflowing trash receptcals, and THE SMELL. Tonight sounds like it will be much quieter....    Læs mere

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  • Amy and Pat TaylorThe Magellan ExpeditionRejsende

    Ahh! Croatia!! We Hate To Leave

    6. september, Kroatien ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

    As we drive through Croatia, we see that everyone has a garden of some sort. And most homes and most businesses beautify with flowering trees and plants.

    The people we encountered were friendly and open. We felt welcomed everywhere we went.

    The roads and highways are in great condition. No potholes. No Thumpita, thump, thump, as you drive. No trash along the highway. And almost no road construction. Definitely no semi-permanent orange barrels.

    The coastal towns we visited are ancient by our standards, most of them dating back to the 13th century, some older. And the granddaddy was Zadar. 3000 years old - predating Jesus by 1000 years.

    The stores, shops, facilities have all been cleaner than what we find in the USA. I don't mean a little clean. I mean really clean. No trash. No junk. No signs of lack of maintenance.

    As tourist here, we are walking ATM machines. Wealthy by comparison and not only willing, but ready to spend our money. But they are not tugging at us to get our money. The people were quite helpful and incredibly polite. Americans have rough reputations abroad, but there was no sense of that here.

    We also noticed that the people here seem to be tall and relatively thin. (Just an observation)

    The food was tasty and fair portions (if not more than fair) for the money.

    It would be fair to say that the people are prideful of their country - and they should be.

    Croatia has been controlled by 9 other countries (in whole or in part), and some of those countries have owned or controlled Croatia several times.

    Something that struck us was when we learned about their "Homeland War" - their Civil War - the War for Independence (1992). It was bloody and horrendous. But after the war, Croatians fostered a concept of healing and forgiving. All thoughts toward moving forward.

    Croatians are extremely proud of their membership in the European Union and NATO.

    The only "tourist tax" I felt was with respect to public toilets and (especially) laundromats. The prices were steep.

    This was a fabulous trip.
    We enjoyed.
    We experienced.
    We opened our eyes.    Læs mere

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  • Amy and Pat TaylorThe Magellan ExpeditionRejsende

    Plitvice National Park 1

    5. september, Kroatien ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    When we saw pictures of this park we knew that we couldn't get this close and not see it. So we rented a car and booked an overnight at a B&B and spent the afternoon seeing as much as we could. We didn't have time to get to the upper lakes, but what we did see was breathtaking. Soglad we did it!Læs mere

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  • Amy and Pat TaylorThe Magellan ExpeditionRejsende

    Slap Heaven

    5. september, Kroatien ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    Plitvice

    Describing the color of the water will be a great challenge ... but I will try.

    Standing above, the water so clear, only visible due to movement. From a distance, the minerals provide a depth to the turquoise water. A hue seemingly not found on the prismatic scale. And the shades that change based on the angle of view.

    Paths walk you to the waterfalls - a slap in Croatian. Too many to count.

    Slap me happy.

    Water from springs, from a river, from upper lakes. Water pours out all over. The tallest fall at 184 meters, taller than Niagra. While the flow pales by comparison to Niagra, I found it much more enjoyable. There was simply so much more to see.

    There are many falls that have more force, and more flow, but the beauty here is in the peace of the sounds; and the imagination of the colors.

    This is a national park - the largest in Croatia - and Plitvice has that feel.

    The tour is a small hike, beginning with the big falls right out of the gate. Then there many options the stroll you through nature, mini falls, lakes, fish, ducks and a boat ride.

    We did not do the entire tour, that would have taken about 6 or 8 hours, much more than our legs had to give.

    Waterfalls everywhere of all shapes and sizes...the sounds of flowing water....the brilliant shades of blue. Just heavenly..    Læs mere

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  • Amy and Pat TaylorThe Magellan ExpeditionRejsende

    Guest House Ljubo and Ana

    5. september, Kroatien ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    This one night exemplified what is has been like visiting Croatia.

    The drive in from the coast, which changed from rocky and drier with low trees to lush green forests on the other side of the mountains, was easy and lovely. Our host, Ana, was friendly and welcoming, and funny even with our language barrier.

    I'd like to say that this exceeded my expectations but that simply wouldn't be true.

    We had no expectations.

    It was a room for a night, near Plitvice - and it was cheap - with good reviews. It was a place to crash.

    As it turned out, the place was clean and comfortable. Beyond that, Croatian. It had gardens of flowers. Fruit bearing trees. Little niceties all around. Truly cared for.

    The place was over-the-top home and unpretentious. Warm and enveloping. Self sufficient.

    Ana had asked if we wanted breakfast in the morning ($10 a person). I declined, thinking we would be pushing to get on the road, but Patty wanted to try a traditional Croatian Breakfast, so we changed our mind.

    Patty was RIGHT!!!

    Well at least partly right. The breakfast was AWESOME!!!

    But this can't be a traditional Croatian breakfast.

    I suspect what was traditional was that it was all homemade. Also, mostly sourced from home.

    Homemade bread. Homemade jam - with fruit from her own fruit trees. Fruit, from her trees. Scrambled eggs from the hens next door.

    She made special gluten free items, polenta and gluten free pancakes (crepes).

    But the over the top part was the baklava, pastries, beignets and drip coffee (American Coffee).

    There was more. Cereal, yogurts etc.    Læs mere

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  • Amy and Pat TaylorThe Magellan ExpeditionRejsende

    Day 7, Ride 6

    4. september, Kroatien ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

    Our final ride.

    We traveled from Primosten to Trogir.

    The beginning of today's ride was the same as yesterday. We climbed out of the bay, up through the olive groves.

    It is interesting that we seemed to enjoy the olive groves. I mean that the groves are limestone rock areas, where they dig down about 3 feet, removing the stones, and plant the trees. The rocks are gathered together to form fences. But a raw look at it would not be appealing to some. The olive trees are pretty, but without the olive trees, some could the area look desolate.

    Other areas are taken up with small vineyards. They are much prettier, and at this time, quite full of grapes.

    In any case, 2/3rds of this ride was up through the hills and olives. Then, the down hill that was both pretty and fun.

    Again today, we wound ourselves through a campground. We saw on camper that looked like a repurposed Russian Troop Truck. Very large.

    And again, another ride along the coast on a stone pathway, but not as long. A stop for a swim and then the interesting part for me - a ride through traffic in town. I like the culture. Seeing how people live.    Læs mere

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  • Amy and Pat TaylorThe Magellan ExpeditionRejsende

    Ride 5 Primosten

    3. september, Kroatien ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    I'll get to the ride little later. It is 10am on Wednesday morning. Day 6 We are cruising now. Today's ride, our 5th ride, is an afternoon ride, the first of the trip.

    We have a 3 hour cruise first. Coffee and breakfast this morning, followed by an anchor drop, for a quick swim.

    Only 5 or 6 swam, but there were backflips off the back of the boat.

    And everyone is just in chill mode. A game of Cribbage below. Most are up top reading. A few listening to music and just taking in the sights.

    We all easily know each others names. There is a great comfort together.

    A peaceful prelude to what I expected to be a tough ride, but we have been reassured is going to be the best ride of the trip.

    3pm now. We had a huge lunch and are letting it settle. This is the most quiet the boat has been.

    My Lovely is beside me on the upper deck, loading photos. The wind and waves are rocking the boat. I'm fighting the desire for a nap. We leave in an hour...

    The Ride

    The Ride was challenging, but not too much. Most of the ride was heading uphill through the country. Then the BIG, curvy downhill and back to the coast. Serge had said that this would be the best ride. I can see where some would say that as we did several miles on a path that runs along the coast.

    I would not agree that this was the best ride. It was beautiful but not the best.

    I actually felt a little guilty on the coastline pathway. There were 32 of us riding. It was a bit much for the pedestians, although we were spaced out in smaller groups.    Læs mere

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  • Amy and Pat TaylorThe Magellan ExpeditionRejsende
    Walter and Gerdie, GermanyNikki and Craig, Christchurch New ZealandHelena and Paul, Perth AustraliaSerge and Tara, Guides ExtraordinaireVerena and Lydia, Berlin GermanyGary and Patty, SCConnie and BobHollis and BradNancy and DonTerri and CraigHolly, Amy, CraigCraig and BillHolly and AmyAndrew and Susan, Christchurch New ZealandTom and Annie, Salt Lake CityCate and Dan, Salt Lake CityBill and Amy, Scandinavia, WisconsinHelena and Paul, Perth AustraliaHolly and Alan, Iola, WisconsinAmy and Pat, TN1The Gang!The Magellan, home sweet home

    Our Cycling Tribe aboard the Magellan!

    3. september, Kroatien ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F
  • Amy and Pat TaylorThe Magellan ExpeditionRejsende

    Ride 4 Skradin, Krka Monastery Island

    2. september, Kroatien ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F

    Riding Day 5

    My Lovely and I have climbed more. And we have had longer rides. But today, we got both. Twice the elevation gain made us push hard. The distance was not an issue, but the ride as a whole took a toll. Everyone was tired.

    Today's ride was almost entirely in the Krka National Park. And it was loaded with a lot of extras.

    The first extra was Visocac Monastery.

    Visovac is a little island owned by the Catholic Church, and inside the Krka National Park. Like so many other churches we visited, the chuch was beautiful and it displayed artwork and historical pieces.

    Prior to human habitation of the island, it was only a "White rock" in the middle of the lake. The setting was beautiful. We enjoyed the tour, and the baby chick's running around the island.

    It was a fun bike ride; but the prettiest part of the ride for me was the very tail end, as we pulled into town. Again, it was all so beautiful. Quaint would a good word for this town.

    Today's treat is a tour of the waterfalls at the head of the Krka River, the location of the 2nd hydroelectric plant in the world (beaten by the plant at Niagra Falls by 2 days).    Læs mere

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  • Amy and Pat TaylorThe Magellan ExpeditionRejsende

    Day Three and All Is Well

    31. august, Kroatien ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    This footprint is about boat Life and the passengers.

    The biggest surprise is that there is nothing bad. Not a thing, so far. No one person that is excessively loud. No one that is rude or inconsiderate. Honestly, nobody to vote off the boat...

    That is, unless it is me.

    You know. "If 1 in 3 people are jerks, and it is not the guy on your left, and not the guy on the right, it must be you"

    Truly, all our boatmates are delightful.

    The names are coming together. And by tomorrow, thanks to a bright idea from Cate, we will get there.

    People are open and sharing. Easily mixing up the seating arrangements and getting to know one another. Freely sharing their lives.

    Connie is the "little bit" of the boat. Always a smile and quite often a dance in her step.

    Patty asked Verena (from Germany) what types of dishes she usually makes for dinner. She said "Pasta. Mostly Italian food".

    Paul, one of the Aussies, explained the differences between rugby and Australian Rules Football.

    The only young couple (thirty somethings, here with parents) easily engage as well.

    There are plenty of places on the boat to hang out and relax. No pushing for the best spot. The rooms are larger than I expected they would.

    Can't imagine a prettier combination Adriatic, the view towards the mainland with the islands and the mountians in the distance. Villages dotting the shores.

    The food has been very tasty and much more than we should be eating!    Læs mere

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  • Amy and Pat TaylorThe Magellan ExpeditionRejsende

    The Sound Of The Sea

    31. august, Kroatien ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    How often can we get Wowed??

    The Zadar Sea Organ was a Super Wow! Honestly the best wow of the trip. It was not necessarily the most fun. But it was a complete surprise.

    As an unadvertised goody provided by the boat and bike cruise, we were treated to a guided city tour of Zadar.'s 3000 year old Old Town. The climax of the tour was the Promenade.

    People show up for the sunset. A steady stream easily and peacefully walks towards the promenade. The gentle waves and the organ sound. The sun descends slowly as day gracefully gives way to evening.

    Hundreds and thousands have gathered. More stroll in. People from all over gather, sitting on the steps, facing west and listening.

    The sun kisses the distant mountain range beyond the Adriatic. It slips past the backside. The last bit of the sun disappears as the crowd applauds.

    A scene I am sure it will repeat itself tomorrow.

    The sun was the Star of the show, but the unsung hero, the way I am telling it, is the organ.

    The organ is an architectural sound art object which plays music by way of sea waves and tubes located underneath a set of large marble steps.

    There are 35 tubes of varying diameters and lengths below the promenade. The tubes have "whistles" installed. As sea washes below the steps of the promenade, the water forces air through the tubes, musical notes are played. There are vents under the steps and port holes in the marble walkway that allow the notes to escape.

    The people come to watch the sunset and listen to the calming sounds of the organ.

    But the setting sun is not the end of the show. In another installation at the end of the promenade is a group of 300 solar cells, absorbing energy all day. At night, the panel creates a light show. The lights paced to the flow of the ocean.    Læs mere

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