Barrio Logan’s Chicano Park

While watching a show on the Travel Channel about San Diego several years ago, a segment covered many different sites to see in the City.  One that caught my interest was what was going on in the Barrio Logan Neighborhood. Murals. Murals everywhere under a bridge. The next shot showed some iconic Low Riders and that was the end of that segment. Intrigued I did a search on ‘murals in San Diego’ and found a website that was dedicated to this project. I knew that on my next visit to San Diego, I had to check this place out, it looked fascinating.  I am so glad that I did because it is a remarkable place.

Views and Food of Old Montreal

Continuing our stroll through Old Montreal and this time, food, glorious food will be involved.

Old Montreal Quebec – My Pseudo Italy

In 2012 I made my first trip to Old Montreal,  the Old Port. I immediately fell in love with the city.  I thought I had been transported to another world when I arrived that first day. I could have sworn I was in Europe, and for me, the Country I’d been transported to was, Italy of course! At that point in my life I was beginning to think that I would never make it to Italia, that it would remain at the top of my 2 item Bucket List forever.  So for me, this charming city, full of cobblestone streets, outside cafes, artists painting on the street, crumbling old buildings and horse drawn carriages was magical. I ended up returning 3 years in a row, to the same hotel because it too, was, and is, the nicest hotel that I’ve stayed in to date and I also love the staff.

Dream Italia – Venezia As Seen From the Water

When you visit Venezia you must take time to appreciate the city from the water. It is after all, a city of islands. Water water everywhere, it is an integral part of Venezia. I found the Gondola is not an easy thing to get into or out of. At least not for me, I am too unsteady on my feet,  I found it to be quite awkward. Depending on the tide, you might be stepping up or stepping down a foot or more. The one time that I rode in one, there was a guy who stood on the “dock” and held out his hand as assistance to get in, and the same thing for getting back out. But that was the extent of the help for anyone in our Gondola – or that I saw on others.  The Gondolier stood in back and verbally directed us where to sit. – but do take a ride at least once.

My Neck of the Woods

My drive to work is 45 minutes each way over back roads in mostly wide open spaces and corn fields. The winds can be fierce in the winter months creating white outs with less than an inch of snow on the ground. Ground outs are also common – at least that’s what I call them. The roads can be icy and hazardous when the wind swept fields dump the snow onto the road. When it is foggy, it is really foggy. Open fields create very dense fog and as it is the country, at night it is especially hard to navigate as the only ambient light comes from the occasional house, many of which are hidden far off the road.