Granada - The Incredible Alhambra

Hello again, June 2 - 4, 2008 Granada, Spain

I just left an amazing city - Granada. This was I think the first city I´ve visited on the trip that really exhibited its historical cultural mix from the past. Walking thru the vendor lined streets, and alleys in the Albyzin district, you can see the Islamic past, shops and restaurants with gifts and tastes from North Africa. And high above the city, much like the Acropolis in Athens, stands the Alhambra.

The old city is the best place to stay and visit. Its actually quite compact and easy to see the sites. The old cathedral dominates the center of the old downtown. This structure took some 200 years to build, finished in the 15th century ( I believe). And the main thoroughfare from the old city stretches into the new Granada. It is a wide tree lined street, with a center walkway. Walking this street, allows you to see daily life in the city. Families walking, older citizens chatting on the benches, children playing.

The Alhambra - I spent the better part of a day there, touring this incredible site. The Alhambra is a fortress, a palace and a garden all rolled into place, surrounded by a huge wall and all high above the old city.

The Alhambra, a World Heritage site, dates back to Roman times, but was re-build by Sultan kings when Arabs invaded the Iberian Pennisula from Northern Africa. Upon the existing fortress site built in the 9th century, Sultan kings built an amazing palace around 1260AD up until the time of Columbus. Its palace is breathtaking, exhibiting Islamic writings, carved columns, patios and gardens with intricately flowing water systems. Beautifully colored tile is everywhere.

Later in the 17th century, King Charles who loved the site, built his own palace there as well.

Granada is filled with history, and a cultural past. And of course, representing today, some great food, Tapa bars and restaurants that are fun to visit and enjoy. I stayed in the Albyzin district, in a hostal right across from the Alhambra. Its back yard patio had an incredible view of the palace high above on the hill. The Albyzin, is a maze of small, very narrow streets. Its a challenge just finding your way back to your hostel. But beatiful small plazas, with outdoor cafes and shops. A fun and picturesque place.

I miss the Portuguese pastries, the Spanish just can´t compare in that category.

Well I´m off to Ronda, a small city in the hills above the Spanish coast. I´ll spend a couple of days there.

See you back then.

Bill

Salema - Fishing Village on Portugal Southern Coast

May 31 - June 1, 2008 Salema, Portugal

Hi all, just a quick note to show some pictures of Salema. Shhhhh, keep this place a secret, it is still relatively undiscovered compared to the rest of the Algarve, the Southern Coast of P0rtugal on the Atlantic Ocean.

I´m in Granada, Spain now, will report back soon.

Bill

Evora - The Walled City

Hi All, May 29-30, 2008 Evora, Portugal

I spent two days in one of the most marvelous Portuguese Cities, Evora. Evora is about mid way down the country and out more in the East. Its in the Alentejo region. Great weather, vineyards and great wine too!

Evora has some left over Roman influence as well as Christian dominance. One of the most preserved Roman Temples is here, its stately square of columns (16 of them I think) and Corinthian Capitals look out over a Monestary courtyard with a beautiful view of the surrounding area. I took in a nice sunset here. Funny thing, these Portuguese always find the highest places around to put their castles, walled cities and cathedrals. If you see the walls, some over 20 feet in height and probably 6 feet or more thick, you know why they were so effective in defending the city, in an era with only bows and arrows and catapults. Even in an era with modern weapons they are still are imposing structures.

Also here was the remenants of a Roman aqueduct, amazing structure. Its purpose was to bring water from near by springs, by gravity to the city. The Romans were impressive builders. Its great to see it up close.

Evora was easy to explore, but I chose to do it slow and enjoy it. Two days here was perfect. I got a kick out of my young 20´s something Innkeeper at the hostel in Lisbon. She said, " two days in Evora!! all you need is a 1/2 a day!" Haaaa kids!! I had no problem stretching out 2 days for Evora, seeing the churches, cathedrals and old university, relaxing, eating Portuguese Caldo Verde Soup, great local red wine, and Super Bock beer, sitting in the cathedral, people watching, more eating, and hiking along the Aqueduct.

Evora was an amazing place. I will upload pictures for you soon

I took buses south to the Portuguese Algarve, the Southern Coast. I´ll report back on that next.

Yours in Travel, Bill

Haven´t Gotten Lost - Will be with you soon

June 2, 2008

I just arrived in Granada. I´m now in Spain!! Left Portugal behind. Today has been the most hectic, today I was all day on bus rides.

I went to Evora after Lisbon, small town slim chance for internet. Then to Salema, I mean a sleepy town!! no Interet, then long bus ride. I´m in a big city now and can write.
All is well here, it has been great. The bus rides to Salema, Portugal then from there to Granada, worked like a champ.Two changes and I lucked out with the timing.

Anyway, this is a fascinating city. Just got here, but amazing. Alley ways with Morrocan goods, incense, shops with Bong smokers (Hookahs) and a lot of Hippies. You can really see the Islamic influence here that was crushed 1000 years ago, yet still hangs on.
I´ll try to get another blog out on the last two Portuguese cities, it has been hard finding internet service, and that is good because the small cities are GREAT!!! I relaxed and really enjoyed the walled city of Evora, and the sleepy coast town of Salema.

I was worried, cuz the Algarve coast of Portugal has exploded, it was like a miami beach except worse, 1/2 mile deep of high rise for miles and miles, serving the European ¨sit on the beach¨market. Then I found Salema, still small, fishing village, not affected by it all. It´s on the southern coast of Portugal out West. Now into the big city. I´ll see the Alhambra on Wednesday, an amazing palace, a World Heritage site.

I´ll be back to you with details on my small Portugal City experience, now on to explore Granada

Yours in Travel
Bill

Lisbon - Even the Cook Sings Fado

Hi all, May 29, 2008

I spent 3 amazing days in Lisbon, Portugal. Lisbon is a city that grows on you. When I first arrived by train, then went up to my hostel in Alfama District, the trip was through an industrial area, then past older run down buildings.... I was beginning to wonder what this place would be like. But after entering the Alfama District, the beautiful, quaint narrow streets, old tram #28 winding by my hostel, and my home for three days a beautiful new hostel, the town began to come alive for me.

I took a sight seeing bus, kind of like taking a Greyline tour, all around the city. WOW, this city is truly an international hub, and very cosmopolitan. From a run down north coastal area in the city, they leveled it and built a huge exposition and commerce center, that looks like the location of a world expo. Lisbon has major tree-lined avenues with huge plazas and the usual tall monuments honoring Portuguese notables or the early explorers.

Lisbon is well connected, with a great bus system, old trams that remind me of the San Francisco cable cars, and a nice city wide Metro. You buy a daily transportation pass, and you can hop on and off on any of these systems.

They have regions in the city that are fun to walk through. The Chiado (chee-ah-doh) district, upscale, the locals very well dressed, and designer shops and cafes. The Alfama, where I am staying, a quaint, puzzling maze of narrow streets, all cobble stones of course. The sidewalks everywhere downtown, have beautiful patterns of black and white stone (flat cobblestones) amazing amount of work. (until they have to dig up gas lines :)

I went to dinner at a restaurant where locals go, to hear some more Portuguese Fado. In an earlier post I think I told you about Fado, the Portuguese version of the blues. This was a hallmark evening. The restaurant was tucked in a narrow corridor and right in front of the local church, tall towers rising above. The restaurant was very small, it seated about 15 people tightly. The dinner was fantastic, sea bass in a bed of rice. The fado experience began. Two gentleman with very casual clothes, no uniforms, played acoustic guitar and mandolin. The singer began, then a man from out in the street came in and sang, then the waitress - who was terrific, and then the cook! With her white apron and white hair net, she wailed on. Then it was the guitar players wifes turn. Everyone was involved in this. Dinner and fado, a 4 hour experience. Got enough fado to last a year, but what an amazing cultural experience.

[Can`t seem to post the pictures on this machine, so look for them in a day or two in my next city]

On the bus tour I stopped in the area of Belem, along the coast on the south part of the city. I was able to tour the Monestary of Jeronimos. A world heritage site, this impressive structure was built by King Manual of Portugal in 1515 to honor the explorers ( De Gama, Diaz, Cabral, etc.) It was a place they could give confession, and pray before they set off to sea. Funny part was he financed it with a `Pepper tax`, a 5% tax on the spices and things brought back from their voyages, and `bought` his salvation by building the church/monestary.
It is an incredible place, the decorative elements added to the architecture, animal figures, political shields, and military symbols have now become known as the Manualine style of architecture.

I visited the village of Sintra, and Palace. This is the place the nobles and kings retreated during the hot summers in the city. A beautiful place, and great trip. Also got to Cabo da Roca, the western most point in Europe..wahooo!

Lisbon, although a very large, very busy cosmopolitan city, was a joy to tour. I wish I had more time here.

On to the little walled city of Evora. I´ll send my Lisbon pictures from there.

Yours in Travel

Bill

Coimbra Portugal, The capital before Lisbon

Coimbra, Portugal May 24-25, 2008

Hello again,

After a great two days in Northern Portugal, I'm on my way south. I took the train from Porto to Coimbra, the old capital of Portugal before it was moved to Lisbon. Boy and what a train! Portugal's railway system is excellent. Beautiful new trains, and right on schedule. See picture of my cool fast train.

Coimbra is the home to most prestigious University in Portugal. Coimbra is a college town. Founded in 1290, the University is one of the first in Europe, opening up after the dark medieval days in Europe. I was here in time to see the university grads out on town celebrating. They wear a dressy black outfit, complete with a black cape. The also brandish their book ribbons, the traditional way books were bound to carry. The ribbons are burned in a ceremony celebrating their pending graduation. That was two weeks ago. It was fun to see them out after ceremonies with family and friends.

At the University I viewed an ancient library containing 250,000 leather bound books from the 18th century. Guilded bookshelfs, and large incredible hand crafted intricately decorated study tables. This was a trip back in time.

The University was built from an ancient castle. The Romans were here too, portions of an ancient aqueduct is still evident.

Coimbra is a beautiful little town, full of more red tile roof buildings, winding narrow streets and wonderful friendly people. Despite the rain now off and on since I arrived, its not keeping me from seeing this remarkable place. This is another city built on a river.

I'm off to Lisbon tomorrow on those real, rough old trains (somebody has to do it)

I'll see you in a few days!!

Yours in travel, - Bill

Porto - Where the Port in Portugal comes from

Porto, Portugal May 22-23, 2008

Hello All, I finally got a chance to write. Thank you for waiting. It seems that Portugal is high tech..BUT they also donºt make the Internet easily available. I arrived Thursday, to a special Catholic Holiday, everything closed! Then the hostel where I was staying had Internet problems..on and on.
So I have been touring, and enjoying this amazing country..without trip reports! Gee I retired from that I thought anyway.

My arrival city was Porto, Portugal where I arrived on Thursday, 22 May. Porto is where the "Port" in Portugal came from, originally the name came from the Romans. It is the home of famous Port wine.Porto is a beautiful port city, right on the Douro river, a wide river that flows from Eastern Portugal thru some beautiful wine country. Porto is at the bend of the river and offers a picturesque city high above the river. I really got to enjoy this city. The old part of the city is a World Heritage Site. Wandering thru the narrow cobble-stoned streets, checking out little cafes, and small shops was fascinating. A steel bridge spans the city that was designed by renowned Eiffel. Some pictures of the town follow.

I went across the river to visit the Port Lodge where Port wine is made and tested. The tour was great, tried the infamous Port wine. A picture of the old port boats that moved the barrels of port up the river is shown here (I hope !)

I closed my two day visit here with an evening at Fado (Fah-Doo) This is a Portuguese form of the blues, a woman or man dressed in black, with a quitar chants beautiful songs of lost loves, death or probably bad luck at gambling. Portugal is amazing. I

I´m heading south by train to the little city of Coimbra, will chat with you then.

Portugal and Southern Spain - Launching Pad for Discovery of the "New World"

Hi Friends and Family!

I'm off again to see another part of this amazing world while I still
can. This year it’s Portugal and Southern Spain. I hope to get around
Portugal from Porto in the north, the home of Port wine to the
southern shores where Portuguese explorers first sailed to explore the
“new worlds.” Also I’ll visit parts of Southern Spain – Sevilla,
Granada, Ronda and then end up in Madrid in the north – exploring the
home of the Flamenco Dance, the incredible Alhambra fortress, and the
birthplace of bull fighting. Come along with me, I'll enjoy having
you. Trains, Planes, boats, buses and trams will be my mode of travel
for a few weeks.

Click on the posted pictures for a larger view. Past weekly postings
will be found in the "archives" here on the blog along with some
postings from my prior trips

Talk to you on the road!!
If  you can drop me a line, I'd love to hear from you:

My email during travel:      doubleucubed@mac.com

Yours in Travel,

Bill

Venice - The end of an adventure

Hi all, Venice, 28 May 2007

We have spent 3 great days in Venice. It seems so relaxed here in the narrow streets along the canals. Realized the big difference is that there are no cars! just narrow alleys, people and gondolas. The main "highway" is the Grand Canal where water taxis run. They hold about 50 people and work remarkedly well. These replace city buses and taxis.

We went to St. Marks square, the Rialto Bridge, and walked many neighborhoods around the city. The Doges Palace, or the administrative center to ancient Venice was our favorite museum. The Doges were elected kings, who ruled a government with an interesting mix of church and state. They had absolute rule along with 120 elected officials. We went thru the prison below the center. In many ways it's easy to see why our country was founded on freedom of religion and a justice system with jury of your peers. I won't complain about jury duty any more or shady attorneys. This system was harsh and cruel and many times was founded on who you knew or paid. The palace and the Corrier museum gave a great taste of what Venice was like in the 1400's. They ruled the seas and were the center of commerce bringing goods from the East (Turkey) to the markets in Europe.

We visited Murano Island, near Venice Island. That is where the elegant Murano glass is made. In 1300 the city of Venice made all glass factories move to this island to avoid fires in Venice Island. It's been the glass making center ever since. We visited a glass factory and watched master glass blowers create their master pieces, some of them going for $4000 each. Beautiful glass and some smaller pieces make great gifts!! we know.

Well the trip has ended, it has been a fantastic journey covering the Mediterranean, ports along Italy, Monte Carlo, the Greek Isles and Turkey. And even Paris...well the airport...
Thanks for coming along with us.

Yours in travel
Bill

Venice - The Incredible St. Marks Square

Venice - The Incredible St. Marks Square, originally uploaded by Bill Wilson.

Venice - Water Highway down the Grand Canal

Venice - Water Highway down the Grand Canal, originally uploaded by Bill Wilson.

Greek Isle of Mykonos - Windmills

Greek Isle of Mykonos - Windmills, originally uploaded by Bill Wilson.

The Greek Isles

Venice Italy, May 27, 2007

Hi all,

I sort of skipped over the Greek Isles in the Blog. We visited three. Santorini, Mykonos and Corfu. Each posed a unique and surprising adventure. The first Island we cruised into was Santorini. It is the most spectacular, but we were unfortunate to have the worst weather on the trip there! The small city is built on the edge of a large old remanent Volcanoe rim. The huge caldren rim can be seen way out over the nearby ocean. We rented a car and driver along with our S. Carolina friends and got a 3 hour tour of the island, from north to south. I expected an annotated tour from our guide Danny, but found out after we left he had only been there 3 weeks, from Ukraine!! well so much for tour info, but we had a great ride dispite no historical insites. It has the tyical white and blue houses and commercial buildings, characteristic of the islands. A beautiful place. Mykonos, was similiar, but in the sun, gave us a more positive experience. We hopped on the city bus and found a beach. Same white and blue painting scheme here. Here we saw the beautiful windmills, seen in many places on the islands.




Corfu, was an entirely different story. With its old Venetian, and British roots, Corfu Town was very European in design, looked like downtown Rome! With an esplanade, or city park with a Cricket court. We jumped a city bus to the Achillion Imperial Villa, where "Sissy" Queen of Austria back in the late 1800's built this incredible palace high on the hill above Corfu town overlooking the water. Later her family sold it to the King of Prussia, right before he was assasinated (remember?..which led to the beginning of WWI)

An impressive area, beautiful weather, nice people, shopping and scenic views.

Friday night we all arrived in Venice. It cruised in about 5:00, so got some incredible views of St. Marks Square right from the ship!!!; in the morning, we got our luggage off the boat fast and transferred to the water taxi which took us to this beautiful city on water. More on that in the next blog

Yours in Travel...Bill

Archeological Overload

Katakolon Greece, (Near Olympia Greece) 23 May
2007

On Tuesday, we had another "do it on your own" style land excursion day. We
skipped the pricey cruise tour and did it on our own. It was simple - a 3/4
mile walk to the metro from the ship, then a $2 metro ride right to the base of
the Acropolis.

The Parthenon - on Acropolis hill in Athens. (see picture) This is one of the
world's most impressive show places for the incredible architecture of the
ancient world. This structure built by the Greeks more than 2400 years ago,
stayed pretty much intact until the 1600's when an explosion from gunpowder
stored there by the Turks, pretty much toppled the structure. Later Lord Elgin,
scored another one for the Brits by "stealing" the frescoes or reliefs from the
inside of the building. They have since been on permanent display in the
British Museum. Restoration of the structure was performed in the early 1900's,
incorrectly and in 2002 a new renovation was begun to restore it correctly. Thus
the scaffolding and cranes in the picture. Seems everywhere I go, I get the
scaffolding on the beautiful buildings!!

It's an impressive structure, huge columns laid in alignment. The building faces
east-west as all temples were constructed in those times were. The columns of
marble, were made up of stacked column sections, with lead poured down the
center to keep them in alignment. Earthquakes seemed the only menace to this
form of construction which heavily relied on gravity.

We toured the buildings on the Acropolis, including an impressive museum with
artifacts collected from the area around the acropolis. Many objects greater
than 2500 years old. Our 100 year old buildings back home pale in comparison to
all this. Amazing.

After the tour of Acropolis, we went down the hill north of the Acropolis, found
the Plaka or old town area of Athens. There was a permanent flea market with
some great shopping. We also found the old Roman Agoura (market square). I
found the "Tower of the Winds", an ancient Greek sundial, one of the oldest in
existence.

Today, Wednesday 23 May, we arrived at Katakolon Greece and took a tour of the
original site of the Olympics. An impressive, serene, peaceful tree covered
area inland from this Coastal town. Here the Ancient Greeks first started the 5
day games, some 2500 years ago, and built an impressive site. Almost all of it
has collapsed from earthquakes and wear, but the museum with its relics from
the grounds helps you reconstruct the past. The main stadium where the
clothes-free Greek men competed is still there. The length, one stadia is the
distance Hercules paced out 192 steps. The Temple of Hercules, on site there,
originally housed the statue of Hercules, one of the 7 wonders of the world. It
was stolen by the Christians and moved to Constantinople, or ancient Istanbul.
Tour fact: Guess where the concept of the eternal flame started?? by Hitler
just before WWII !! This was a great tour. Now I'm into Archeological
overload!!

Tomorrow we are off to the Greek Island of Corfu. Then on to Venice.

I'll be back with you here in a few days
Yours in Travel
Bill

The Parthanon on the Acropolis, Athens Greece

The Parthanon on the Acropolis, Athens Greece, originally uploaded by Bill Wilson.

Ephesus-2 The Grand Library at Ephesus - Incredible

Ephesus-2 The Grand Library at Ephesus - Incredible, originally uploaded by Bill Wilson.

Mykonos, The Little Venice Section

Mykonos, The Little Venice Section, originally uploaded by Bill Wilson.

Ephesus - An Incredible Ancient City

Ephesus - An Incredible Ancient City, originally uploaded by Bill Wilson.

Pompeii Man - Plaster cast of man who died in eruption

Pompeii Man - Plaster cast of man who died in eruption, originally uploaded by Bill Wilson.

Pompeii Forum

Pompeii Forum, originally uploaded by Bill Wilson.

Historical Sites- Over 2000 to 2700 years Old

Hi all, Monday 21 May 2007 Mykonos, Greece

Wow, how do I catch up. Wednesday last, in Florence. Way too short, all we had was literally 5 hours to visit one of the most impressive cities in Italy. This is a 'come back' city. Saw Statue of David by Michelangelo, then walked this amazing city, the Duomo, the old bridge over the river built in 1360.. Yikes, no time to explore this amazing place.

Thursday it was on to Naples. We hopped a local train, about 1/2 hour and a thousand stops down to the city of Pompeii. A beautiful day out, a bit warm but nice for touring.
Pompeii was built over time starting several hundred years BC. By Roman times, it was a city of wealth..then in 60AD... bam!!!, Mt Vesuvius, looming close in the background, exploded and buried the city. So fast many people were trapped in their homes, quickly overcome by the ashes and explosion.

It was discovered in 17th century and had to be literally dug out revealing a snapshot in time of what life was like then. Beautiful paintings on walls, intricate frescoes and mosaics on the floors.
We got a special tour from a construction worker working on the renovation of one room. He held his finger to his mouth..shhhhh... he let us in the site he was working on, not open to the public. Beautiful place, incredible paintings on the walls over 2500 years old. He was of course after some lunch money..a small tip was well worth the private tour. Also here was one of the oldest examples of a Roman stadium. We stood where lions were slain by gladiators..wow

An express train back, and taxi to the ship..our home away from home, and off in the sunset.

On Sunday we had one of the best experiences of the trip. We toured the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey (Google it, check it out!) Just amazing mix of 3 major civilizations all in one place. And so well preserved because it had been flooded by an ancient river covering it in 40 or 50 feet of mud until the 1700's when it was discovered. Ephesus was the center of Greek society in this region, then later occupied by the Romans, then the Byzantines. There is stark evidence of all types of architecture, Greek Ionian column capitals, Roman Corinthian and then mixed ones for the later years. You can touch Greek writing on the marble dating over 2000 years. And a huge library building. Much of what you see has been restored and rebuilt by Turkish funding over the last several hundred years. Renovation/restoration is still continuing. An amazing place.
I'll post pictures in next few days. Our private guide, Onur, took us to the site, to a Turkish rug factory and home for a typical Turkish lunch in the country. We finished up at the museum where objects from the site were displayed.

Today we are in Mykonos, the upscale Greek Island that has been the playground over the years of the rich and famous. We took the city bus out to the local beach (beautiful, complete with nude sunbathers :) )
This is beautiful place, weather is outstanding an no wind!!

We will head for Athens tomorrow, and hope to visit the Acropolis and other sites in town.

We are off for now, see you in a few days.

St. Peters Basilica - Inside - The Vatican, Rome

St. Peters Basilica - Inside - The Vatican, Rome, originally uploaded by Bill Wilson.

The Colliseum in Rome - Right from Metro station exit

The Colliseum in Rome - Right from Metro station exit, originally uploaded by Bill Wilson.

Florence - Statue of David

We are in the City of Florence Wednesday, 16 May 2007

Hi all, we spent the last Sunday in Rome visiting the Bourghese Museum and also caught the local flea market in town. The Borghese was an amazing place. A small villa owned by Cardinal Bourghese who collected works of art all over the world, including sculptures by Bernini. Delicate depictions of Greek myths all done in marble.

The Rome Sunday flea market was a trip! complete with Gypsys (mothers holding their babies) trying to pick tourists pockets, but the local vendors yelled them down and chased them off!!
Everything from cell phones, clothes at one euro a piece to Prada purse knockoffs being sold by native Africans. Their stands were mobile ready to run on command by cell phone when the police arrived.

We boarded the cruise ship on Monday, got settled. We've met some wonderful people on board. Our table mates are a great family from South Carolina.

... then Tuesday spent the day in Monte Carlo. The town is getting ready for the famous Monte Carlo Formula one race coming in two weeks. 6 weeks to set up, 3 weeks to take down, right in the center of this beautiful city. We cruised past the casino, and rubbed elbows with the elite. Some nice cars here! Guys in their brand new Ferraris yelling out the window to their girl friends crossing the street.

Florence is a beautiful city. We just walked here from the Accademia museum where we saw the 12 meter high statue of David by Michelangelo...wow!!

We are off now to finish our visit of Florence, and tomorrow Naples.

Catch you in a few days.

Roman Holiday

Well I guess this is the place. I saw a poster with Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn riding a scooter -"Roman Holiday" not sure I remember that movie! but we are here! Incredible sites. Went to the Coliseum after arrival off the plane..Wow, walk out the metro station and bam! here it is - The Colosseum
Today was the Vatican, and St. Peter square. Line was 3 hours long till Jim from Michigan came by, offering a private tour and get in now! So I went the VIP route. Decision was to skip a big dinner and go for the tour.
The Sistine chapel with Michelangelo paintings out of this world. And the St.Peter's Basilica, 6 acres of church, largest in the world, took 120 years to build back in 1506 from stones robbed from the Roman Forum. Rome is an incredible historic city.
Oh yea, think we have tough IRS here? Here they have the "finance police", can close your business down in a minute. Well just a short note to say we made it. See you in a day or two. This is from my little palm top via hotel phone. Hard to type. CIAO!

Bill Wilson
billwilson@pocketmail.com (While away on travel)
email2bill@cox.net (When home)

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This Year's Trip - Mediterranean & Greek Isles

Well Friends and family welcome to my blog. Its time again to get out in the world and see it. We are off to Europe, the Mediterranean and Greek Isles by way of a cruise. Three days in Rome, a 12 day cruise, then 3 days in Venice.

Join us on the trip. With one day port stops, I might not have much time to send pictures on here, don't want to spend my time in the Internet shops, but I'll try.

Travel with us...see you on the road!

Bill & Phyllis Wilson

The Opuntia Cactus Tree, and Coastline, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Opuntia Cactus Tree, and Coastline, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador,
originally uploaded by Bill Wilson.

Aquatic Iguanas Giving me the Eye, N. Seymour Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Aquatic Iguanas Giving me the Eye, N. Seymour Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador,
originally uploaded by Bill Wilson.

A Male Frigate Bird in Flight, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

A Male Frigate Bird in Flight, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador,
originally uploaded by Bill Wilson.

Bill Wilson

email2bill@cox.net

The Blue Footed Boobie, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Blue Footed Boobie, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador,
originally uploaded by Bill Wilson.

Frigate Bird and Baby - Galapagos Islands

Frigate Bird and Baby - Galapagos Islands,
originally uploaded by Bill Wilson.

Aquatic Iguana - Galapagos Islands

Aquatic Iguana - Galapagos Islands,
originally uploaded by Bill Wilson.

Male Frigate Bird Strutting - Come on ladies! Galapagos Islands

Male Frigate Bird Strutting - Come on ladies! Galapagos Islands,
originally uploaded by Bill Wilson.

Land Iguana - Galapagos Islands

Land Iguana - Galapagos Islands,
originally uploaded by Bill Wilson.

The Galapagos Islands - 200 year old giant turtle

The Galapagos Islands - 200 year old giant turtle,
originally uploaded by Bill Wilson.

The Galapagos Islands - Nature Wonderland

Hi All,

My last adventure on this trip - The Galapagos Islands. This is an incredible
place. Set 1000 KM off the Ecuadorian Coast, its isolation created species not
seen elswhere in the world. Of the 5000 species of animals, about half appear
nowhere else on earth. The same is true of the plant life, about 1/2 are
indigenous to the islands. When Darwin visited here in the mid 1800's, his
curiousity was arroused by the isolation of the islands and the amazing things
he noted how the different species evolved in an isolated environment.
Many of the islands are stark 'moonscape' topography, made up of geologically
new volcanic lava flows. Sticking out of this lava are amazing plantlife and
wildlife.

The animals are quite different, yet some are similiar to what we, living on the
coast, are familiar with. Sea lions are similiar, but the iguana lizards are
very unique. I believe this is the only place in the world where there exists
aquatic iguanas. Yes, they walk down the beach and stroll right into the water
and swim. They feed on plantlife (algae) in the surf. Then come back up on the
beach to warm up. They are cold blooded creatures.

And the birds are amazing. I went on an all day tour of Seymour Island, saw the
Frigate birds in mating season..the males puffing up a big red sack under their
chin, showing off trying to attract the females.

And the most impressive thing to me was, you stroll past the wildlife, just feet
away. A few feet away from mother birds and their young, and they seem calm.
There are no predators here. Humans have never been a threat to any of the
animals, so they have no fear of us. Its something that takes getting used to.
They just stay there and watch you.

Hope some of these pictures show just a few highlights of what I saw

Well Wednesday, I´m off back to Guayaquil, then home.

It's been an incredible journey, I enjoyed sharing it with you.

Yours in Travel

Bill