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  • Where are Paul and DonnaEastern European River CruiseTraveler

    Day 08 A Quiet Moment at the Dock

    November 13 in Serbia ⋅ ☀️ 52 °F

    Late this afternoon, as the sun was slipping behind the hills, I wandered down to the dock where the Rinda was tied up and found two older gentlemen already deep into their day—rods out, lines in the water, completely unbothered by the flow of passengers coming and going. They stood there like fixtures of the riverbank, bundled against the chill, balanced on the crumbling concrete edge as if they’d been fishing this exact spot for decades.

    One of the men suddenly leaned back, rod arched high, giving the full performance of someone landing a legendary catch. The suspense was perfect—this silhouetted figure against the soft glow of the setting sun, absolutely convinced he had a beast on the line. I stopped to watch, couldn’t help myself. And when he finally reeled it in? His “big one” turned out to be… well… modest. We all laughed—him, his friend, and me. No translation needed for that kind of shared humor.

    With the Rinda reflected in the quiet water behind them and the sky fading to that soft evening silver, the whole scene felt beautifully unscripted. These are the moments that make travel feel real—little gifts that appear when you’re simply paying attention.

    Travel is good. These moments are even better.    Read more

  • Where are Paul and DonnaEastern European River CruiseTraveler

    Day 08 Lock at Drobeta-Turnu Severin

    November 13 in Romania ⋅ ⛅ 45 °F

    Today we slipped through the locks at Drobeta-Turnu, and I’m always amazed at how quietly these huge pieces of engineering do their work. One minute you’re level with the river, the next you’re rising—or sinking—like the ship is taking a slow breath.

    Standing out on deck, watching the concrete walls slide by, I felt that familiar mix of curiosity and gratitude that travel always brings out in me. The Danube was calm, the light was soft, and for a few minutes the whole ship seemed to pause with me. Moments like this remind me why I love being on the water—there’s always something happening, even when it looks like nothing at all.    Read more

  • Where are Paul and DonnaEastern European River CruiseTraveler

    Day 07 Belogradchik Fortress, Bulgaria

    November 12 in Bulgaria ⋅ 🌙 52 °F

    We made the hour-long bus ride to the Belogradchik Fortress, tucked high in the Balkan Mountains of northwestern Bulgaria. The climb up was very steep — the kind of incline that makes you question your life choices for a minute — but absolutely doable. And once you reach the top, every treacherous step suddenly feels worth it. The views and the silence up there are something special.

    The fortress itself is unlike anything I’ve seen before. Instead of being built on the rocks, it’s built into them. Massive sandstone formations rise straight out of the earth, and the fortress walls simply continue the lines of the cliffs — stone blending into stone. It feels ancient, wild, and strangely peaceful all at once.

    A few bits of history to give the place some context:

    The first fortifications here date back to Roman times (1st–3rd century AD).

    Later, the Ottomans expanded it into one of the strongest defensive positions in the region.

    It saw major action during the Serbian–Bulgarian War of 1885.

    The surrounding Belogradchik Rocks are over 200 million years old, sculpted by time into towers, spires, and cliffs with almost storybook shapes.

    Walking through narrow stone passages, climbing uneven steps, and standing on those high lookout points, you feel centuries under your feet. Then you look out… and there’s this endless sweep of red rock pillars, deep forests, and open sky. A breathtaking reward for the climb.

    Before leaving, we picked up a bottle of Bulgarian white wine from a local vendor — a small treat to bring back onboard. That evening, we shared it with Melody & Barry over dinner, which made the day feel even more complete.

    At dinner, I should note: Viking always offers a Regional Specialties Menu, and it’s usually my first choice. Why not try the flavors of wherever you are in the world? It makes each meal feel like another part of the journey.

    #VikingCruises #BelogradchikFortress #Bulgaria #BelogradchikRocks #DanubeRiver #EasternEuropeTravel #HistoricPlaces #WorthTheClimb #TravelBlog #RegionalFlavors    Read more

  • Where are Paul and DonnaEastern European River CruiseTraveler

    Day 06 Inside the Pleven Panorama Museum

    November 11 in Bulgaria ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F

    This afternoon we visited the Pleven Panorama Museum, and honestly — it’s one of those places that quietly sneaks up on you. From the outside, the building looks like a giant concrete drum set in the middle of a peaceful hilltop park. But once you step through the doors, the entire story of Bulgaria’s fight for independence unfolds around you in this sweeping, emotional way that feels part museum, part time machine.

    The museum was built to honor the Siege of Pleven (1877) — a turning point in the Russo-Turkish War that eventually led to Bulgaria’s freedom from nearly five centuries of Ottoman rule. Before today, “Pleven” was just a name on our itinerary. Leaving the Panorama, it felt like I understood why Bulgarians speak about this place with such pride.

    The first level guides you gently into the story — artifacts from the battlefield, original uniforms, artillery shells, handwritten notes, even medical tools that make you wince just looking at them. Each display feels like a quiet whisper from someone who lived through it.

    But the real magic is on the third floor — the Panorama itself.
    You walk up the ramp, turn the corner… and suddenly you’re surrounded by a 360-degree battlefield painting over 300 feet long. It’s not just a painting — it’s a full immersion. The floor blends seamlessly into the canvas with real soil, broken wagon wheels, sandbags, rifles, grass, and trenches that merge with the painted world. The lighting shifts as you walk, and the soundtrack of distant cannon fire and horses pulls you deeper in.

    It feels like stepping straight into 1877 — not in a violent way, but in a way that lets you feel the intensity, the bravery, and the cost. The brushwork is dramatic, full of motion and emotion. Faces of soldiers blur into smoke; sunlight breaks through clouds and highlights the chaos; and in the distance, you see the moment when the tide turned and the siege finally broke.

    Standing in the middle of that circular space, Donna and I didn’t talk much. It didn’t feel like a place for chatter. It felt like a place to absorb — a place to honor the people who stood on this land long before we did.

    If you ever find yourself in Bulgaria, the Pleven Panorama is one of those unexpected “wow” moments. A blend of art, history, and human resilience — all wrapped in one unforgettable room.

    #VikingCruises #Pleven #Bulgaria #PlevenPanorama #HistoryAndArt #EasternEuropeTravel #TravelBlog #MuseumMoments #DanubeJourney    Read more

  • Where are Paul and DonnaEastern European River CruiseTraveler

    Day 06 Welcome to Pleven, Bulgaria

    November 11 in Bulgaria ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F

    As I mentioned in an earlier post, I woke up early and shared the lounge with a few other early risers — the quiet kind of company that feels companionable without words. I had my morning cappuccino, watched the soft light drift through the fog over the Danube, and took out my sketchbook. I’ve included a quick pencil sketch from that moment — a view out the lounge window as the Rinda moved steadily upriver.

    A little later, Donna made her way out from under the covers (her favorite place to be some mornings), and we headed to breakfast together. Afterwards came my first real lesson in “Washing Your Clothes on a Riverboat 101” — courtesy of Donna, my onboard laundry instructor:

    Fill the bathroom sink with water.

    Add a dash of Viking-provided shampoo.

    Toss in socks, briefs, or whatever needs love.

    Squeeze and swish while making realistic washing machine noises (very important).

    Let it soak for five minutes.

    Rinse until the water is mostly clear.

    Squeeze out the water.

    Roll everything in a towel and twist to get even more moisture out.

    Hang to dry — ready by tomorrow if you’re lucky!

    We’ve taken to alternating laundry days, which keeps things peaceful. Quick-dry fabrics really are worth their weight in gold. And here’s a pro tip: a Tide stain-remover pen is your best friend — especially if, like me, you occasionally wear what you eat.

    After laundry duty came lunch (thankfully not cooked by me), followed by our afternoon tour of Pleven, a city with deep roots in Bulgaria’s history. Pleven became famous during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877, where the Siege of Pleven turned the tide toward Bulgaria’s eventual independence from Ottoman rule. The city is also home to the stunning Pleven Panorama, a massive circular painting and diorama that immerses visitors in that historic battle.

    Today, Pleven feels both modern and proud — broad boulevards, leafy parks, and monuments that honor its resilience. Walking its streets, you can feel the layers of history beneath your feet — the same way the Danube itself carries the stories of every shore it touches.

    After a visit to the Pleven Panorama Museum we made it back to the ship of an evening adult beverage. Cheers!

    #VikingCruises #Pleven #Bulgaria #DanubeRiver #RiverCruiseLife #TravelBlog #LaundryDay #TravelTips #EasternEuropeTravel #ArtOnTheRiver #PlevenPanorama #TravelMoments    Read more

  • Where are Paul and DonnaEastern European River CruiseTraveler

    Day 06 Morning Solitude on the River

    November 11 in Bulgaria ⋅ 🌧 54 °F

    Before sunrise aboard the Viking Rinda, I discovered a rare pocket of stillness — soft mist, the sound of the sea, and a quiet corner perfect for reflection and sketching. A peaceful moment between ports that reminded me how good solitude feels.

    ⸻

    This morning I woke up around 5:30 AM. Not wanting to disturb Donna’s sleep, I quietly got dressed and slipped out to the lounge. The Viking staff were already at work — busy as church mice — making sure everything was in perfect order before the travelers stirred for the day.

    A few early birds were scattered around the lounge, some lost in a book, others tapping on their laptops. I grabbed a couple of cappuccinos from the coffee station and set them down at my favorite corner table. From there, I could see the faint glow of dawn stretching across the horizon.

    I took out my phone and recorded a short video — the dark sky, the faint mist, the rhythmic sound of the water softly crashing against the bow of the Rinda as she glided toward our next port.

    For the first time in days, I found myself alone with my thoughts. I opened my small sketchbook and began a quick pen and ink drawing of what I was seeing, what I was feeling. The quiet, the movement of the ship, the subtle hum of the engines — it all felt like meditation.

    It’s peaceful this morning. No chatter, no clinking glasses, no voices competing for space. Just the sea, the ship, and me.

    And for a moment, I realized how much I need this — these quiet pauses, this happy place where I can simply draw and be.

    ⸻

    Tags:
    #VikingCruise #MorningAtSea #TravelJournal #QuietMoments #SketchbookStories #EasternEuropeRiverCruise    Read more

  • Where are Paul and DonnaEastern European River CruiseTraveler

    Day 05 Rising Up Black Sea to Danube

    November 10 in Romania ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F

    Today we transitioned from the Black Sea into the Danube River — an incredible experience to witness firsthand. I’ve always been impressed by how things work, and watching this process felt like seeing quiet engineering magic in motion.

    As we entered the lock, massive concrete walls rose around us. The crew tied the ship securely to the wall, and I reached out and touched it — cool, damp, and solid as history itself. Then slowly, almost imperceptibly, the Viking Rinda began to rise. The movement was so smooth that if I hadn’t been watching the changing view, I’d have sworn we weren’t moving at all.

    At one point, I looked over to see a small herd of sheep being guided down a narrow road that runs parallel to the canal — a quiet moment of rural life framed perfectly against this marvel of modern engineering. As the lock filled, we rose higher and higher until, from the top deck, we were suddenly above the land beside us.

    A little factoid: the Danube–Black Sea Canal, completed in 1984, stretches roughly 40 miles (64 km) and connects the river directly to the sea — saving ships hundreds of miles on their journey. Each lock can lift vessels more than 50 feet to match the Danube’s elevation.

    It’s one of those moments where technology, nature, and human ingenuity come together — silently, beautifully, and right beneath your feet.

    #VikingCruises #VikingRinda #DanubeRiver #BlackSeaCanal #RiverLocks #EasternEuropeTravel #EngineeringMarvel #TravelBlog #QuietMoments #TravelPhotography    Read more

  • Where are Paul and DonnaEastern European River CruiseTraveler

    Day 05 A Quiet Morning in Constanța

    November 10 in Romania ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F

    It’s Monday, November 10th — hard to believe this is already Day 5. Time is flying! The ship leaves Constanța at noon, but we decided not to venture into town on our own today. Yesterday’s walking tour gave us just the right taste of the city, and today feels like the perfect day to slow down, unwind, and simply enjoy being here.

    I finally got my hot chocolate and found a cozy table in the lounge — the perfect spot to start catching up on our FindPenguins posts. Outside, a soft fog lingers over the harbor, giving everything a peaceful, dreamlike feel.

    I was up early, around 7:00 AM, for breakfast, while Donna caught up a little later at 8:30. Most passengers are off exploring on their own, so we have the ship almost to ourselves. It’s quiet… calm… and just what we needed.

    #VikingCruises #Constanta #DanubeRiver #EasternEuropeTravel #RiverCruiseLife #TravelBlog #QuietMorning #TravelMoments    Read more

  • Where are Paul and DonnaEastern European River CruiseTraveler
    2

    Day 04 Constanta through the Tri-X lens

    November 9 in Romania ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F

    I thought it would be fun to break out the old Leica 35mm rangefinder and load up a roll of Tri-X film. Enjoy these black-and-white views of Constanța.

    There’s something about shooting in monochrome that strips a place down to its essence — light, texture, and soul. Constanța, perched on the western edge of the Black Sea, is Romania’s oldest continuously inhabited city, once known as Tomis during Roman times. You can still see traces of that layered history in the weathered stone walls and arches scattered throughout the city. Ancient foundations seem to breathe just below the surface, quietly supporting the newer lives built above them.

    The port terminal greeted us with bright lights and modern polish, but once outside, the story changed — cobblestone streets, fading facades, and a mix of architectural eras brushing up against each other. Here, centuries collide: Roman ruins framed by glass office windows, Ottoman doorways opening beside modern cafés. The city feels like a collage of time — the old world and the new sharing the same narrow streets.

    A mosque’s minaret pierced the gray sky; Orthodox domes shimmered nearby. Street murals whispered hope against cracked plaster, and cats stood guard like sentinels of the old quarter.

    One of the most photographed landmarks here is the Constanța Casino, an Art Nouveau masterpiece built in 1910 that now sits abandoned, slowly being restored. It feels like a perfect metaphor for this city — elegant, resilient, and waiting for renewal.

    From Roman ruins tucked beside glass buildings to small chapels filled with candlelight, Constanța reveals a dialogue between time and endurance. The Tri-X brought out every contrast — the grit, the grace, and the timeless rhythm of life along the Black Sea.

    Sometimes color distracts. Black and white lets you see.

    #VikingCruises #Constanta #Romania #BlackAndWhitePhotography #Leica #TriXFilm #StreetPhotography #EasternEuropeTravel #ConstantaCasino #Tomis #TravelBlog #MonochromeMoments #TravelPhotography    Read more

  • Where are Paul and DonnaEastern European River CruiseTraveler
    1

    Day 04 A Toast to Home on the River

    November 9 in Romania ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F

    This photo deserves its own post.

    We boarded the Viking Rinda around noontime, just in time for lunch — our first meal onboard and our first real taste of ship life. The waiter offered us the house red or white, but we asked if they had a Pinot Grigio. He paused politely to confirm we had the Silver Spirits package (we do — and yes, it’s worth every penny).

    A few minutes later, he returned to our table holding a bottle of Tommasi Pinot Grigio. Donna and I looked at each other and just laughed. That smile said it all — we were home.

    On our World Cruise, Donna discovered Tommasi and fell in love with it. Since then, it’s become our go-to white wine — we even have it shipped to our home by the case.

    So, when that familiar bottle appeared before us on our very first afternoon aboard the Rinda, it felt like a sign — a gentle reminder that Viking always takes good care of us.

    We’re on our floating home once again.

    I did add photos of the port outside our balcony, a selfie in our room, and the Viking Daily - this is the Bible for the events of the day.

    #VikingCruises #VikingRinda #DanubeRiver #TommasiPinotGrigio #SilverSpirits #TravelBlog #FloatingHome #EasternEuropeCruise #WineMoments #TravelMemories    Read more

  • Where are Paul and DonnaEastern European River CruiseTraveler

    Day 03 Catedrala Națională, Bucharest,

    November 8 in Romania ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F

    The Catedrala Națională, also known as the People’s Salvation Cathedral, rises high above Bucharest — massive, golden, and awe-inspiring. Standing before it, I couldn’t help but feel small, like I was looking up at a symbol of both faith and ambition.

    Construction began in 2010 and it’s still ongoing, but even unfinished, the scale is staggering — it’s one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. The gold domes gleam even through the haze, and the stonework feels timeless, echoing centuries of devotion and resilience.

    Inside, the air was hushed, heavy with incense and reverence. Candles flickered softly, and the sound of distant chanting carried through the enormous hall. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down — not just to look, but to feel.

    Donna was drawn to the imagery — not in a religious way, but in appreciation of its beauty, color, and intricate detail. I found myself captivated by the stories told across the walls — scenes of faith, struggle, and endurance carved and painted into every surface.

    One of my favorite photos was taken from directly beneath the grand chandelier. In one shot, the chandelier hides the face of Christ — a striking image of mystery and shadow. In the next, as I leaned back slightly, His face came into view, illuminated in perfect balance. Two moments, just inches apart, yet completely different in feeling.

    Whether you come for the architecture, the art, or the quiet power of the space, this cathedral leaves a lasting impression.

    Hint: You need to view all the photos to get to the chandelier images. It's worth it.

    #VikingCruises #Bucharest #Romania #CatedralaNationala #PeoplesSalvationCathedral #EasternEuropeTravel #SacredPlaces #TravelPhotography #FaithAndArt #ChandelierPerspective #TravelBlog    Read more

  • Where are Paul and DonnaEastern European River CruiseTraveler

    Day 03 Happy Birthday Paul

    November 8 in Romania ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F

    Today is Paul’s 69th birthday.

    So, Paul, what did you do for your birthday?
    “Well… we had dinner.”
    Where?
    “A little place called Caru’ cu Bere — a spot recommended by Daniel, a fellow traveler we met on our flight from London to Bucharest.”

    Caru’ cu Bere (which means “The Beer Wagon”) is one of Bucharest’s most famous restaurants, dating back to 1879. The Gothic Revival interior feels like stepping into an old movie set — vaulted ceilings, stained glass, carved wood, and waiters who move with quiet precision.

    We ordered the house special: pork knuckle, served with cabbage, horseradish, and cornmeal. A wise move letting the waiter debone it! The meal was hearty, though we found the flavors more comforting than exciting — satisfying, but missing those musical sensory notes that make a dish sing.

    But dessert… that was another story. Donna went for the chocolate cake, and I chose the warm, donut-like pastry. Wow. The orchestra came alive — a full symphony of sweetness dancing across our taste buds.

    If you’d told me anytime in my 69 years that I’d be celebrating a birthday dinner with my lovely wife in the heart of Bucharest, Romania, I’d have thought you were crazy. Yet there we were — like characters from a Clive Cussler novel: me, the unsuspecting CIA agent, and Donna, the undercover operative… sharing laughter and dessert in a centuries-old restaurant somewhere in Eastern Europe.

    #VikingCruises #Bucharest #CaruCuBere #Romania #BirthdayAbroad #TravelBlog #TravelRomance #EasternEuropeAdventure #FoodieTravel    Read more

  • Where are Paul and DonnaEastern European River CruiseTraveler
    2

    Day 03 Exploring Bucharest

    November 8 in Romania ⋅ 🌧 48 °F

    Today was our first full day to really explore Bucharest. We took a guided bus tour through Romania’s capital — a city of contrasts and surprises. The architecture is amazing — a fascinating blend of Old World European elegance, stark Soviet-era blocks, and bold modern design. Bucharest is often called “Little Paris” for its grand boulevards and ornate facades, and you can still see traces of that charm everywhere.

    After the tour, we wandered through the historic center, following narrow cobblestone streets lined with cafés, music, and the hum of local life. We passed under the golden glass roof of the Macca-Vilacrosse Passage — a hidden gem glowing softly in the afternoon light — and ducked into a small souvenir shop. I picked up a new sticker for my suitcase, and Donna found another ornament for our Christmas collection.

    The funny part is, we always seem to travel in the winter… yet we still haven’t set up our first “travel tree” to hang them on. Maybe this year will be the one.

    #VikingCruises #Bucharest #Romania #MaccaVilacrosse #EasternEuropeTravel #LittleParis #TravelBlog #CityExploration #TravelMemories    Read more

  • Where are Paul and DonnaEastern European River CruiseTraveler
    On the bus from the airport to the hotel in Bucharest, Romania
    Out the bus windowFriday night traffic in the rain

    Day 02 Finally Sleep!

    November 7 in Romania ⋅ ☁️ 48 °F

    About 36 hours after waking up the day before, we finally arrived at the Marriott Hotel in Bucharest. It was dark, a light rain falling, and city lights shimmered on the wet streets below. After such a long journey, it felt wonderful to be greeted by the calm efficiency of the Viking staff — friendly smiles, luggage handled, no more decisions to make.

    Once we reached our room, we took quick showers and let the hot water wash away the travel fatigue. The hotel is beautiful — spacious, elegant, and quiet. The moment my head hit that soft pillow, wrapped in a warm comforter, I could almost feel the world stop spinning.

    Sleep never felt so good.

    #VikingCruises #Bucharest #MarriottHotel #EasternEuropeTravel #RiverCruiseAdventure #TravelRest #TravelBlog    Read more

  • Where are Paul and DonnaEastern European River CruiseTraveler
    Bradley Airport, Windsor Locks, Connecticut
    This is all we brought each.On the planeApple TV - Binging "Masters of the Air" kept me from being bored Great WW2 showOur route London to Bucharest1I love watching the flaps come out we we land.

    Day 01 The Adventure Begins

    November 6 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 50 °F

    It’s been a long day — up at 7:00 AM to finish packing. Uber picked us up at noon, and our flight out of Bradley Airport in Hartford left around 4:30 PM for Philadelphia. From there, it was a 7+ hour flight to London, then on to Bucharest, Romania. YES, WE ARE VERY TIRED!

    Thursday, November 6th somehow turned into Friday, November 7th — and we never really slept. Maybe a few winks on the flight to London, but that’s it. Over 36 hours awake!

    One of our main goals this trip was to not overpack like we did on our world cruise. This time, we each brought just a carry-on, a backpack, and our CPAP machines (with meds tucked inside).

    Unlike our 2023–24 world cruise — when we missed our flights and started in chaos — everything went smoothly this time. And for those wondering: no, I didn’t lose my CPAP machine! But true to form, I did manage to lose one hearing aid on the plane. Thankfully, that little inner voice told me to pack a backup pair.

    The flights were long but doable, and by the time we reached our hotel in Bucharest, we were completely exhausted.

    The adventure begins!    Read more

  • Where are Paul and DonnaEastern European River CruiseTraveler

    Day 00 Travel Planning

    November 6 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 43 °F

    This post is just a placeholder for our future travels. I will update this Day 00 with new information as it becomes available.

    When on our Viking World Cruise, Viking offered us an opportunity to purchase another cruise. No surprise! We bought two. An Eastern Europe River cruise and a Mediterranean Ocean Cruise - This will help us make up for the countries we missed due to the World Cruise getting redirected.

    This trip will be much more than Eastern Europe: It is actually 3 seperate cruises two river and one ocean - with an extension to Jordan to experience Petra. (One of my bucket list items). Here is our itinerary thus far.
    2025 Cruise

    Bucharest, Romania – Friday, November 7
    Bucharest, Romania – Saturday, November 8
    Constanța, Romania – Sunday, November 9
    Constanța, Romania – Monday, November 10
    Pleven, Bulgaria – Tuesday, November 11
    Vidin, Bulgaria – Wednesday, November 12
    Donji Milanovac, Serbia – Thursday, November 13
    Belgrade, Serbia – Friday, November 14
    Novi Sad, Serbia – Saturday, November 15
    Ilok, Croatia – Sunday, November 16
    Mohács, Hungary – Monday, November 17
    Budapest, Hungary – Tuesday, November 18
    Budapest, Hungary – Wednesday, November 19
    Bratislava, Slovakia – Thursday, November 20
    Vienna, Austria – Friday, November 21
    Vienna, Austria – Saturday, November 22
    Vienna, Austria – Sunday, November 23
    Barcelona, Spain – Monday, December 1
    Barcelona, Spain – Tuesday, December 2
    Palamós, Spain – Wednesday, December 3
    Marseille, France – Thursday, December 4
    Villefranche-sur-Mer, France – Friday, December 5
    Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy – Saturday, December 6
    Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy – Sunday, December 7
    Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy – Monday, December 8
    Naples, Italy – Tuesday, December 9
    Sicily (Messina), Italy – Wednesday, December 10
    Crotone, Italy – Thursday, December 11
    Bari, Italy – Friday, December 12
    Šibenik, Croatia – Saturday, December 13
    Venice (Fusina), Italy – Sunday, December 14
    Venice (Fusina), Italy – Monday, December 15
    Venice (Fusina), Italy – Tuesday, December 16
    Split, Croatia – Wednesday, December 17
    Dubrovnik, Croatia – Thursday, December 18
    Kotor, Montenegro – Friday, December 19
    Corfu (Kérkyra), Greece – Saturday, December 20
    Olympia (Katakolon), Greece – Sunday, December 21
    Athens (Piraeus), Greece – Monday, December 22
    Athens (Piraeus), Greece – Tuesday, December 23
    Crete (Heraklion), Greece – Wednesday, December 24
    Sail the Ionian Sea – Thursday, December 25
    Ephesus (Kuşadasi), Turkey – Friday, December 26
    Troy (Çanakkale), Turkey – Saturday, December 27
    Istanbul, Turkey – Sunday, December 28
    Istanbul, Turkey – Monday, December 29
    Istanbul, Turkey – Tuesday, December 30
    Istanbul, Turkey – Wednesday, December 31
    Cairo, Egypt – Thursday, January 1
    Cairo, Egypt – Friday, January 2
    Cairo, Egypt – Saturday, January 3
    Qena, Egypt – Sunday, January 4
    Luxor, Egypt – Monday, January 5
    Esna, Egypt – Tuesday, January 6
    Aswan, Egypt – Wednesday, January 7
    Aswan, Egypt – Thursday, January 8
    Edfu, Egypt – Friday, January 9
    Cairo, Egypt – Saturday, January 10
    Cairo, Egypt – Sunday, January 11
    Dead Sea, Jordan – Monday, January 12
    Petra, Jordan – Tuesday, January 13
    Petra, Jordan – Wednesday, January 14
    Amman, Jordan – Thursday, January 15

    Honestly, I am hoping to expand this into February to spend maybe a month in Northern Italy. We need to be back in the States before Ozzy's 2nd birthday on March 7, 2026.

    Stay tuned for more nation as it develops.    Read more

  • Jackson Pollack Pilgrimage II
    1

    Paying Respects

    September 28 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F

    Last year when we did our first Jackson Pollock pilgrimage we stopped by the cemetery where Jackson and Lee are buried. I left a paint brush on Pollocks’ gravestone.

    This morning as we are heading home we stopped by the cemetery. The paint brush was gone. But, I found the brush I left on Jackson’s stone had been moved to Lee’s gravestone.

    I don’t know - maybe I am foolish? But, I have created a connection with this artist. Maybe it is life of disfunction I relate to. Our like the hope of winning Powerball - I would like to find a thread of creativity within myself that matters. Or maybe I am just foolish?    Read more

  • Jackson Pollack Pilgrimage II
    1

    A quiet moment

    September 28 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F

    This morning I woke up early at our AirBNB. Pollock-Krasner home is only 1 mile away. I enjoyed a peace walk from the AirBNB to their house.

    While walking on the quiet roads I could only imagine how peaceful this area might have been 75 years ago.

    I sat on the rocks in the backyard and overlooked the quiet marsh and water. I did wave into the video camera as I entered the property after hours.

    Four deer crossed the property and made me smile.

    Pollock did good most creative work while sober and living on this property. His studio is large enough for his massive canvases. To be able to wake up each day and have the beauty of this nature scene refresh yo and start your day. If we ever move from East Windsor - this is the experience I want each morning. I want peacefulness and beauty.

    I was able to take a few photos - and try to capture just a bit of Jacksons’ energy and pocket it in my creative stash.

    I know I can be a loud in your face person at times - I am working on it - But, quiet times like this morning really touch my spirit.    Read more

  • Jackson Pollack Pilgrimage II

    Some things to do in East Hampton

    September 26 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    Once we found our AirBNB - only a mile away from Jackson Pollock's home. We headed to "The Cookery" our favorite place to eat. a five minute drive from where we were staying. They have GREAT soup and bakery items. They also serve wonderful breakfast items.

    The we headed out to fine a Winery for a bit of adult beverage and Wine tasting. Lina at The Cookery pointed us to Wolffer Estate. We were a bit underdressed - It was a Friday night. and there were some high end bridal showers and bachelor parties under way. The chickery board was nice. we got a couple of wine flights and enjoyed our tasting process. Honestly, we weren't that impressed with their wines. THey were okay - not great.

    Donna found "The Clubhouse" a nice multi-pupose venue for all sorts activities and parties. They had a might little mini golf course which we played a round., We carry our putters with us when we travel. We were tied at the 9th hole - but then she beat me badly in the end.

    It was a nice way to spend the Friday afternoon and evening. we had a good time.    Read more

  • Jackson Pollack Pilgrimage II
    On the upper, getting ready to leave
    Enjoying the view

    New London Ferry to Orient Point

    September 26 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F

    Donna and I are on our way to East Hampton, NY. Our main purpose of this trip besides just traveling some more and getting away - is to visit Jackson Pollock’s home and studio.

    Last October we visited there and created our own drip paintings on the grass in front of his studio. Paul has loved Pollocks’ art since high school. The October visit was a spiritual pilgrimage for him.

    When we returned home, Donna asked if I felt like our paintings were done. At the time I said yes. But, since reading biographies about Pollock and viewing more of his art - Nah! They are not done.

    So, a couple of months ago I planned this weekend’s adventure. We packed the canvases in the car, booked an airBNB near his home, and we are on our way.

    Also, this is a good prep trip for packing light for our next upcoming travels to Europe. Paul is testing socks, underwear, and bringing minimal art supplies. So, this is a dry run for Europe.

    We have about an hour and a half to get to Orient Point. The ferry is smooth. It’s a lovely clear day in September.

    Please follow along - I will do my best to share with you this adventure.

    Donna is hoping that we finish our paintings this trip - she is not into annual trips. But, you never know???????    Read more

  • USA National Parks East Tour
    Total mileage on trip-meter
    In our driveway 27 days laterDonna rubbing off park circlesDonna holding National Park MapWe've got mail!

    Day 27: Back Home in East Windsor, CT

    January 16 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 28 °F

    Twenty-seven days, 6,394 miles, eleven National Parks, one National Preserve, earned Junior Ranger badges at each park, several mini-golf courses, hotels, motels, airBNB’s later — at 5:24 P.M. on January 16, 2025 we arrived safely home!

    The worst traffic was the last six hours coming home through New Jersey, New York (George Washington Bridge), and Connecticut. For most of the trip, the weather was very favorable on our side; no snow storms, no real heavy rain storms. We ate fancy, we ate local, we did MacDonald’s & Subway, and we had Cheerio’s - it was a perfect mix to balance our palette. We spent time with friends and family. For Christmas we spent a few days with Keara & Eli and our Grandson Ozzy, and Eli’s parents. In Georgia, we visited a dog rescue which Donna supports and saw the Air Force Base now turned Miller Brewery where Donna was born in 1960. In Florida, we saw Paul’s family and co-workers from Yale - Rod (& Bob), Rosalee (& Steve).

    When we got home the next day Donna pulled the National Parks map down from over the fireplace and scratched off all the circles of the parks we visited. We are proud of our trip - and see we still have a lot more to visit.

    We visited the following 11 National Parks in this order (6,400 miles of driving look at the map to see our route)

     - Cuyahoga Valley - Ohio
    - Gateway Arch - Missouri
    - Hot Springs - Arkansas
    - Mammoth Cave - Kentucky
    - Biscayne - Florida
    - Everglades - Florida
    - Dry Tortugas - Florida
    - Congaree - South Carolina
    - Great Smoky Mountains - North Carolina, Tennessee (Drove The Tail of the Dragon)
    - New River Gorge - West Virginia
    - Shenandoah - Virginia (Drove Skyline Drive)

    Also —

     - Big Cypress National Preserve - Florida
    - Indiana Dunes - Indiana (We did this in November when we went to Indiana for Thanksgiving)

    The biggest regret is since we were on a tight time schedule - Paul needed to be back to Connecticut to start teaching Spring semester - we would have enjoyed spending more time at each park to really explore and check out more of what they each have to offer.

    In all of our travels the most common question we are asked is “Which is your favorite?” While some places stand out there is rarely a favorite. The things which we ember the most are the people we meet and interact with - and how each National Park has its own special character. It is important we as a nation continue to preserve these areas.

    For this coming summer - we are “thinking about” maybe pulling a small camper with the Mazda and staying inside or near the next set of National Parks we plan on exploring. So stay tuned for more information on this. We are in the market for a lite weight used camper - A-frame popup or feather weight. This next trip will be 8 parks and is an experiment to see if we can survive camping. We have never camped in the 30 years we have been together.

    On Saturday we had tons of errands to run, one of which was to get 6,400 mile swarth of grime off the Mazda. Steve our friend from Elite Detail in South Windsor, told use to go to Two Brother Hand Car WASH IN Glastonbury, CT on Main Street. It was a well deserved “Spa Day” for the Mazda which treated us perfectly for the whole trip. We average 27 miles per gallon, not bad for the the of driving we did.

    Thank you to those who have travelled along side of us on this and our other adventures. Your likes and your comments mean a lot to us.

    Happy Trails,

    Paul & Donna    Read more

  • USA National Parks East Tour
    Met Chef Mike - he is a Chef God ....
    Governor home ruins on the property.One of many lovely views.This place must have been beautiful back in the dayAnother beautiful viewAmazing backstoryAmazing meal - Donna loves Chef Mike's Bread pudding

    Day 26: Barboursville Vineyard Virginia

    January 15 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 32 °F

    We started our day pretty early, completing our drive through Skyline Drive & Shenandoah National Park around 1:00 pm. As we headed back towards the AirBNB, Paul found a vineyard not too far out of the way in Barboursville, Virginia. The grounds are lovely with ruins of the Governor’s Mansion designed by Thomas Jefferson to see. The history of the town, Governor Barboursville, and the vineyard made for a colorful visit and story,

    We did the wine tasting which was excellent. See the next post for all the wines we sampled. From there we had an amazing lunch/dinner in “The Library” — They also have a fancy 5-star restaurant on property. We weren’t in the mood for that type of meal. “The Library” is pretty upscale already.

    During the tasting they did NOT include “Octagon” their premium award winning wine. It’s only $75 a bottle. However, having tasted all their other wines we needed to experience their best. We each got a half-glass of Octagon - Everything about this wine takes you to a whole other level. This is not just a nice wine. This is a journey to a whole other level flavor and savor. The color, the nose, the complexity, the movement of flavor, with a very pleasing linger - a person doesn’t have to think long to understand why this is their flagship.

    Our meal was amazing. Paul decided to have bread pudding for desert. Donna not really liking bread pudding figured she would have a test or two. We shared. Well almost! This was a bread pudding like non-other. Donna really loved this desert - we needed to order a second one. Executive Chef Michael who has been with Barboursville Vineyard for some time now takes dinning to the 5-star level. The whole culinary experience made us feel like we were eating at “The Chef’s Table” on the Viking Neptune World Cruise. All this orchestrated by Chef Michael.

    Visiting Barboursville Vineyard was our capstone experience to complete our four week adventure. Tomorrow - we head home.    Read more

  • USA National Parks East Tour

    Day 26: Abstract iPhone Photography

    January 15 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 23 °F

    Every once in a while we see things patterns, shapes, light, designs in just normal every day stuff. I really like seeing the abstract in every day life. These images are from the light coming through the dirty window of our car as we drove along Skyline Drive. With a bit of post processing to enhance the color and contrast.Read more

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