I would like to dedicate this post to my brother-in law Terry; who
passed away on June 27th.
He was such a magnificent brother-in-law. Always giving me “Terry” leadership guidance
on so many things in my life – big and small: from financial planning, to
simple things like how to make a good cup of coffee while living in Rome, and
everything in between. And he had such a giving, selfless heart. He
was always, putting everyone’s desires before his own. And he did it with a humbleness that you
rarely see with people anymore.
Dad - Not a day goes by that I don’t think about him. I can’t believe it has already been a year
and three months since he passed away. I
think this song by Offspring sums it up:
Offspring - Gone Away
Maybe in another life
I could find you there
Pulled away before your time
I can't deal it's so unfair
And it feels
And it feels like
Heaven's so far away
And it feels
Yeah it feels like
The world has grown cold
Now that you've gone away
Leaving flowers on your grave
Show that I still care
But black roses and Hail Mary's
Can't bring back what's taken from me
I reach to the sky
And call out your name
And if I could trade
I would
And it feels
And it feels like
Heaven's so far away
And it stings
Yeah it stings now
The world is so cold
Now that you've gone away
I could find you there
Pulled away before your time
I can't deal it's so unfair
And it feels
And it feels like
Heaven's so far away
And it feels
Yeah it feels like
The world has grown cold
Now that you've gone away
Leaving flowers on your grave
Show that I still care
But black roses and Hail Mary's
Can't bring back what's taken from me
I reach to the sky
And call out your name
And if I could trade
I would
And it feels
And it feels like
Heaven's so far away
And it stings
Yeah it stings now
The world is so cold
Now that you've gone away
Since my last blog, my major adventures have included:
·
Moscow Russia (hence, the ½ continent) –
yay, yay I know Moscow is on the Europeon side of the house. J
·
Iceland
·
Tuscany Italy (Bagno Vignoni,
Montalcino, and Siena)
·
Cinque Terre Italy
·
Ghana Africa
Rather
than write a lot on these places. I will
just include a little bit of information.
Here is the link to the photos:
MOSCOW -
Pleasantly surprised and less smokers – Wooohooo!!!!!
That is how I would describe Moscow. We all have “ideas” of places we have never
been before, some good, some bad, and sometimes a little bit of both. Needless to say, my “ideas” of Moscow were a
bit pessimistic before arriving.
One of my first places to go was Starbucks! Italians are not fond of this coffee so I was
so stoked to be able to go to one in Moscow. When I walked in I thought, “Geez, just like
Seattle Starbucks!” J Of course I got my supply to bring back to
Rome with me.
As the driver drove to the hotel I couldn’t help but
notice a lot of the trees were painted white.
The driver explained to me that the reason that is done is to keep the
bugs off of the trees!!
Even though it was rainy and drizzly the day I saw them The Kremlin and
Red Square were still amazing up-close.
Many of the buildings in Moscow are marvelous! Very
colorful, very unique. Despite many of
them looking like they came from “Candy Land” it is a very modern city with
many high-rises, and many modern
buildings as well.
ICELAND –
WOW!!! What can I say about Iceland? It was everything I dreamed of and more. I could totally live there!! J Our Mountain guide Katrin was so motivational. She is a very petite woman with adult kids
(you would not believe it if you saw her), but is in such amazing shape.
Every day (of the week-long tour) we trekked. It was physically very demanding, but was so
worth it!! Some of my favs. were: the Vatnajökull glacier adventure, the Blue Lagoon, Laki
Volcano, and Vic Black Sand beach.
TUSCANY (Bagno Vignoni, Montalcino, and Siena) -
Unfortunately I didn’t take any photos on this
trip. Even though the Hot Spring in Bagno Vignoni was nothing compared to
the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, it was still very pretty. The town was very small and cute and had a
small Flea Market.
Vignoni
Montalcino was a larger town with lots and lots of wine
stores. The town is famous because of
its “Brunello” wine. Many people rave
this is one of the best Italian wines.
Also in the town is the famous fortress.
And there is also a popular clock tower.
Although I didn’t get to see a lot of it, Siena has more of a small city vibe
- vs. the other two “towns”. I did get
to go to the Piazza del Campo. This is
the town square with many restaurants, street performers, and a beautiful
gothic chapel.
CINQUE TERRE ITALY
A
big thank you to Birgit and Pall from TrekGuyd http://www.trekguyd.com/ for making my trek
from Riomaggiore to Portovenere so rewarding.
They indicated this was the hardest of all
their local treks and I believe it. It
took us seven to eight hours and I was very sore the next day. I would have to say this area reminds me of
the Amalfi Coast but with more places to go trekking and trail running.
I
am not much of a beach person (prefer the mountains), but have to say I really
enjoyed being on the beach in Monterosso. Following this, going on my own three hour
trek along a step road and a back country trail I found was the perfect end to
the day!
I look forward to returning there next year for many
more trekking and trail runs.
GHANA AFRICA (ACCRA)
I wasn’t going to put my trip here in my blog. But at the last minute I decide to. The reason – I have to give kudos to the
natives and how tremendously friendly and hospitable they were to me!!
I forgot my camera, but was able to take a couple of
photos while I was there. Here is one of
a man playing the piano at my hotel.
One of the things I found most mind-blowing is how
the women can balance things on their heads and walk continuously while doing
that. I have never seen so many women
with such excellent, excellent posture in my life!
Besides how nice the natives were, I have to say I
really enjoyed the food. They eat a lot
of spicy food, and that is one thing I miss about being back in the states; especially
the spicy New Mexican food.
Conclusion:
Of the places I have been so far I am torn between
the Dolomites and Iceland being my favorite. However, the Dolomites take 1st
place with Iceland coming in a close 2nd – just because of the size
difference in mountains.
Although, I’m sure there are some great musicians
from the Dolomites, I don’t know of any.
That being said, here is a song
by Of Monsters and Men – they are from Iceland:
Of Monsters and Men - From Thinner
Dad and Terry, we miss you so much!!
