Paso Robles – 2003

So everybody says Paso?  I fell in love with Paso in 2003.  The people are great, the wine is fine and there are great places to eat and enjoy yourself.  So close to the coast, Cambria, San Simeon we are so surprised it is not more popular.  Guess water is always important and Paso is pretty darn dry.  Have have been back a few times, and favor staying at www.thecanyonvilla.com. These folks are great, and are across the road (Kiler Canyon Road) from Pam and Steve Loch who have great Vineyards and make wine under their brand, Ecluse.

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Arezzo

Randy and Charlotte stayed in a wonderful villa, owned by the “Count”.  Ironically, we stayed at a wonderful home in Cortona, and the owner catered the “Count’s” second wedding.

Back to Italy – 2007

Vatican

Our second day in Rome began with a visit to the Vatican.  Like the Borghese the day before, we purchased our tickets in advance and spent the extra money to have a private tour.  This is very important.  With the private tour we were able to advance in the line, which by 9:00 a.m. wraps around nearly 1/4 of Vatican City.  We were told that if you would arrive at 9:00 a.m. it was unlikely to get into the museum before 11:00 a.m.

Back to Italy – 2007

Rome

The trip to Italy began in Rome.  We flew overnight and arrived mid-morning.  After we figured out how to take the train into the center city at the Termini Station, we check into Capo D’Africa and then met up with Randy and Charlotte who arrived a day earlier.  We checked out many sites then made our way to the Borghese.  The next day we visited the Vatican, Colleseum, and many other sites.  Our visit to Rome ended at Osteria dell Ingegno for an amazing dinner.

Back to Italy – 2007

Tower (Isla Genovesa)

Holy birds Batman!  When we dropped anchor all you saw were birds above the island.  Before breakfast we saw two white tip sharks swimming around the boat.  After breakfast we headed over to Prince Phillip’s steps and took a walk and saw two different Red-footed Boobies (brown and white), Nazca boobies and their eggs or chicks (one which had just hatched and didn’t have any feathers), lots of great frigatebirds, storm petrels and short eared owls.  Afterward we snorkeled, the new fish we saw today were:  four-eyed blenny, moorish idol, and blue chin parrot fish (actually we have seen them the last couple days).  

The rest of the day we skipped the activities.  There was a panga ride where they saw more great frigates and storm petrels and then took a walk on the beach to see even more great frigates.

Back to Galapagos – 2011

Sun Gate

A more gradual climb than that of Huayna Picchu, The Sun Gate trail takes hikers up to around 9000 ft. above sea level level, about a 1500 ft. climb from the base of the Machu Picchu Ancient City ruins.  This hike actually ascends Machu Picchu mountain.  The Sun Gate is also where hikers come into the park when opting for hiking to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo rather than taking the train.  Many spectacular views.  

Spanish Towns

More than ever before this trip unveiled many small towns to us in an unplanned and unassuming manner.  We simply went because something sounded interesting, or some insider (wine maker, tour guide) made a recommendation.  Some towns were part of the regions or museums we were planning to visit and we lived by the motto “we have nothing but time”, and we used that time to explore.  Some places, like San Martin and Miranda del Castanar seemed untouched by tourism and tourists. 

Arc de Triomf

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Yes, as mentioned in the earlier post, Spain has one too.  Of significant difference is the size and setting. 

Last Day in Hong Kong

Last day in Hong Kong. I walked the harbor walk this morning. There were many locals out jogging, swimming, and two groups of about 20 women each dancing.

After breakfast, we headed to downtown Kolowoon to look for shopping. What we found was a lot of handbags, watches and jewelry. So we spent some time having tea at The Peninsula Hotel, which is a well known British hotel.

We then headed back to our hotel and sat outside the remainder of the day. I did go back to the spot the locals used to get into the river to swim so I could stick my hand in. The water was pretty warm! It was then off to the airport to head home.

Hong Kong

Wow what a beautiful city! We got to our hotel around 6 pm. When checking in we asked what it would cost to get a harbour view room. She said to come back at 10:30 pm and we could have a room for free. We were in! Went for dinner then sat outside with a bottle of wine until it was time to go to our room. Definitely worth the wait!

The next morning we headed out for a city tour. We stopped at Aberdeen village to see the fishing junks floating restaurants via a boat tour.

Then off to some shopping spots; a jewelry factory and The Stanley shopping street.

The last stop of the tour was Victoria Peak, where ther were fantastic views of the city. The pictures do not do it justice!

The bus dropped us off at the ladies shopping district and recommended we go to the sunshine restaurant. Headed to the restaurant first, we were the only non-Asians in the place. Then off to the shopping area, where it was one stall after another of cheap bags, scarves, nicknacks, etc. Came back to the hotel and spent the evening outside by the harbour. Full moon tonight.